In today’s world, you’d think the notion that raising children is a full-time job would be universally accepted. Yet, astonishingly, some individuals still believe that parenting is little more than lounging around and enjoying life—perhaps while snacking on bon bons (seriously, what even are those? Do they come in bulk at Costco?). Recently, a misguided comment on a fitness mom’s Instagram made this painfully clear.
Meet Sarah Thompson, a dedicated mother who shares her fitness journey on her Instagram page, “MomsWhoLift.” Despite juggling twin toddlers and another baby on the way, she manages to maintain an impressive workout routine. Last week, however, someone left a thoughtless remark on her post, expressing envy that Sarah got to “stay home all day” while they had to “go to work and do WORK.” This comment betrays a serious lack of understanding about the reality of parenting.
Does this person genuinely think that Sarah’s Instagram feed—filled with images of her working out—is a complete depiction of her day? Do they also believe that reality TV shows are documentaries? Sarah’s platform is meant to inspire other parents to stay active with young children, not to paint a picture of a worry-free day.
In response to the rude comment, Sarah expressed her frustration: “Work? You think I don’t WORK?! My days don’t consist of lounging around after a morning workout. Do you think my 2-year-old twins let me put my feet up? I’m currently growing a new baby while chasing after two energetic toddlers!”
As a mother of twins myself, I can vouch for the fact that caring for two toddlers is no walk in the park. It’s more like trying to enjoy a picnic during a tornado—chaotic and often messy! I worked until my kids reached the age of four, and let me tell you, sitting at my desk felt like a vacation compared to wrangling little ones.
In her candid post, Sarah detailed her daily struggles: “I squeeze in 20-30 minutes of exercise, often interrupted by toy-fetching, snack-bringing, and even breaking up sibling squabbles. My mornings are filled with diaper changes, tantrums, and meals that end up on the floor before they’re even tasted.”
And for those who might think this chaos wraps up by noon, think again! It’s more like 9 a.m. madness.
Fortunately, Sarah has received an outpouring of support from her followers, many of whom recognize the hard work that goes into being a mom. It’s important to note that many of her workout images show her actively engaging with her kids, proving that prioritizing her health doesn’t equate to neglecting her children. Motherhood is about balance—sacrifice doesn’t have to mean martyrdom.
So, let’s remember to be kind, even to strangers on the internet. For more insights on parenting, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re interested in boosting your fertility, visit Make a Mom for some great resources on at-home insemination kits. If you want to know more about IUI success rates, WebMD offers some excellent information.
In summary, let’s dispel the myth that staying home with kids is anything less than real work. Every day is a unique challenge, filled with both joy and exhaustion. It’s high time we recognize the hard work that goes into parenting and support one another in this incredible journey.