We’ve all heard the saying, “Motherhood is a thankless job.” Well, let me set the record straight: that’s simply not true. Sure, motherhood can feel thankless at times; you dedicate yourself to your family, and the only time it seems to register is when you make a mistake. But let’s be clear—motherhood should not be classified as a job.
Take today, for instance—my 4-year-old had spirit day at school, which meant he needed to wear a specific shirt. I distinctly remember washing it, folding it, and placing it in his drawer. Yet, today, we couldn’t find it. The result? A mini-crisis of epic proportions, with my middle child heading off to school in the wrong shirt, probably thinking I spend my days lounging on the couch with snacks. (Honestly, I should consider that option if shirts are going to magically disappear.)
By definition, a job is an activity where you work and earn money. Honestly, there are people who are unemployed who have it more like a job than motherhood. A job comes with vacation days (I can’t recall my last day off from being a mom), sick days (I’m battling a sinus infection and a double ear infection right now while still doing the mom thing), and even mental health days (don’t get me started on how I could use one of those).
No, I’m not “working” at being a mom. There’s no severance package, no clocking out at the end of the day, and no lunch breaks. Some nights, when my head hits the pillow, I think back on the precious moments with my kids—a shared laugh, a heartfelt “thank you, mom,” or a sweet “I love you”—and that fills my heart with joy. But on most nights, I fall into bed, exhausted and mentally drained, barely recalling how I got there.
Motherhood isn’t a job because it’s a never-ending role. It’s like being a janitor at a mall—you clean and clean, only to watch people trample all over your hard work, leaving muddy footprints behind. At least that janitor gets paid!
I often wish I could take the advice of those well-meaning strangers who say, “Enjoy it while it lasts; it goes by too fast.” They’re right, and while I know time is fleeting, I can hardly savor that truth because of the sheer volume of tasks I juggle. Motherhood has engulfed my life, and while I sometimes fantasize about it being a job so I could scream “I QUIT!” and toss my laundry basket across the room, the reality is, it’s my life. But boy, would a mental health day be nice.
If you’re interested in exploring other parenting topics, check out this recent post on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re looking into at-home insemination options, consider visiting Make A Mom for reliable kits. For more insights into pregnancy choices, WebMD offers excellent resources that could be valuable.
In summary, while motherhood can feel like an endless cycle of tasks with little recognition, it’s so much more than just a job. It’s a journey filled with love, growth, and sometimes chaos—the kind of experience that shapes who we are.
Leave a Reply