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Parenting
The Life of a Stay-at-Home Parent: A Day in the Life
by Jessica Taylor
Updated: June 24, 2021
Originally Published: November 29, 2015
When my little one, Sam, turned six months old, I faced a challenging decision. My paycheck barely covered childcare expenses, I longed for my baby’s presence, and I felt discontent both at work and at home. Despite my fondness for my profession, I concluded that the sacrifices were not justifiable. I handed in my resignation and pursued a different path.
Gone were the days of business trips and formal attire; my new role was as Jessica Taylor, Stay-at-Home Parent.
I must admit, I was thrilled at the prospect of lounging around, watching daytime dramas, and snacking on crackers with my baby contentedly bouncing nearby. I even purchased a series of novels to fill my presumed free time. Naturally, I planned to keep the house tidy and ensure my child was well-fed, but how much more was there to do?
I had previously assumed that other stay-at-home parents spent their days idly.
Fast forward two years, and I can confidently say that those who believe stay-at-home parents do nothing are mistaken. Here’s an insight into my daily life:
During Sam’s teething phase, he would nap sporadically every couple of hours. He was often drooling, crying, and utterly exhausted. At times, it took 30 minutes of rocking to achieve a mere 15 minutes of sleep. This exhausting cycle went on, and the dark circles under my four-month-old’s eyes were heartbreaking. Thus, I would swaddle him in a blanket, throw my hair into a bun, and settle into the rocking chair. For 24 hours, I rocked my child every two hours.
Then came the mobile phase. Every sharp edge in our home seemed like a danger zone. Sam was determined to walk before hitting ten months, launching himself toward furniture with reckless abandon. I found myself fretting about potential injuries and safety inspections. When he finally sustained a cut from a corner, I knew I had to baby-proof every inch of the house. For over a week, my sole focus was on making our home safe for him.
Ah, the notorious “terrible twos.” It was as if a mischievous switch flipped in Sam’s mind as soon as he turned two. The little angel who once played quietly with toys suddenly discovered the thrill of climbing onto furniture and jumping off. First, it was the couch—relatively harmless, especially with cushions below. But soon, he progressed to bar stools and the dining room table. In mere seconds, he could scale any height. As long as he was in this “I’m going to find new ways to hurt myself” phase, I had no choice but to monitor him like a hawk every moment of the day.
Of course, there are moments when I can snuggle with my son. There are hours when he’s not climbing or jumping, allowing me to engage in activities like writing or folding laundry. And let’s not forget the precious nap time—an hour where I sometimes enjoy coffee in peace or even indulge in a quick nap.
However, that trilogy of novels I planned to read is gathering dust, and if I dare open a box of snacks, I’m greeted with “Mama, Mama, I want it!” The closest I’ve come to enjoying a soap opera is a musical episode of a children’s show. And good luck keeping a toddler in a bouncer for any length of time.
I’m not complaining. This was the choice I made, and for my family, it was the right one. To an outsider, my daily routine may seem like a lot of “nothing.” But in my world, where coffee spills and toy chaos reign, it is everything.
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Summary:
The life of a stay-at-home parent is often misconceived as a carefree existence filled with leisure, but it’s anything but. From navigating the challenges of teething and safety concerns to managing the energetic curiosity of toddlers, the daily tasks are demanding and multifaceted. While it may seem like a mundane routine to outsiders, the reality is a blend of love, chaos, and fulfillment.