As a single parent, I’ve juggled multiple jobs at once. Since getting married, I’ve worked full-time, part-time, from home, and even tried my hand at homeschooling—basically, I’ve done a bit of everything.
Throughout the years, I’ve encountered people who seem to think that being a stay-at-home parent (SAHP) means being their personal backup plan. Sure, in a true emergency, I’m all in. If you need to rush to the ER in the middle of the night, I’m happy to step in and watch your little one. If your car breaks down and you can’t pick up the kids from school, I’m your go-to. But let’s be honest: many of these situations are not emergencies.
- Sick Kids: If your child is too unwell for school or a sitter, they should stay home. It’s not just about your schedule; nobody wants to catch whatever bug your kid has.
- School Breaks: School vacations don’t sneak up on anyone. These dates are known well in advance, so please don’t show up at my door in a panic on a Sunday because you didn’t arrange childcare. Many people choose not to run a daycare for a reason: they simply don’t want to.
- Surprise Babysitting: Sending your child over to play and then leaving? Not cool. This falls under the “I don’t run a daycare” category. You might be surprised to learn that such actions could be construed as “child abandonment,” and that’s no joke.
- False Promises: Please, don’t tell your kid they can come over for dinner or join in on family outings when you haven’t cleared it with me. It puts me in an awkward position of having to explain why that’s not happening.
- Volunteering a SAHP: If you need someone to bake cookies for a bake sale at a school your child doesn’t even attend, then you should volunteer yourself. The same goes for any activities you don’t have time for.
- Homeschooling Help: If you think I’d be a fantastic tutor for your child, think again. Homeschooling is a huge commitment, and just because I homeschool my own doesn’t mean I can take on yours.
Even though I’m not clocking in at a traditional job, I assure you my days are filled with important tasks. From homeschooling to household chores, I keep busy. So, please don’t assume that just because I’m home, I’ve got free time just waiting for someone else’s needs to fill it.
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In summary, being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t mean being a fallback plan for others. We have our own responsibilities and priorities that deserve respect. So, let’s keep the lines of communication clear and avoid any misunderstandings.