My last post about being a working mother got me thinking a lot. I appreciate(d) every one's thoughts! I am excited at how we have all grown (compared to even 10 years ago) by being more in tune to the situations of a working mother. I think every woman hopefully has her own choice and her own personal battle to fight and it is nice to know that no judgement is being made.
But there is also another side to this working mom scenario: those who stay at home.
Considering I have been there and hope to be there again someday, I wanted to have my say in that situation, too!
I believe that there is a stereotype that goes along with that as well. We've all heard it... you stay at home all day eating bon bons, right? I still don't actually know what a bon bon is. Is it some type of chocolate? If that is the case, I think I need some after putting my rowdy kids to bed tonight.
But the arguments are there...
Sometimes I think that women who stay at home are not appreciated. That they are not understood. That they are not valued. I believe that a stay-at-home mom is also a working mom. It is not easy. All day stay-at-home mothering is difficult and exhausting.
Although there is definitely more freedom of time than those who go to work, there should be no comparison in effort. I can't tell you how many times I have been up to my ears in diapers and drama and have literally handed my children over to my husband the moment he walked through the door. I then proceeded to lock myself in the bathroom to breathe. Yes. I am admitting that.
My best friend and I email frequently since she is living in China. I am convinced that she is busier than me in my working mom scenario. She says otherwise, but seriously, I am convinced. Four children, living in another country, extracurricular activities, church responsibilities, service, new baby. Work, I tell you. Work!
Here's a quote that I adore that sums up my feelings very nicely:
Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.
~Elder M. Russel Ballard
Need I say more?
Here's to all working mothers.
Because that's exactly who we are.
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3 comments:
So true! I think stay-at-home moms are definitely under-appreciated. Working moms are too.... and I think President Beck's talk in GC a few sessions ago was perfect addressing it (even though it could have been taken the wrong way...)
Thank you! As a stay at home Mom who homeschool's and worked for the first 10 years before last year, I see both sides of the story. I'm so lucky to have a supportive husband who let's God guide our choices and not how others would like to define me or us!
I really think sometimes that it's motherhood in general that is frowned upon; it doesn't matter what you choose, there are a lot of negative stereotypes to deal with. This reminds me that the most important thing I can do is ignore what other people think and just make my own choices. Whenever I manage to do that, I am so much happier!
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