When my son, Leo, was around six months old, I faced a tough decision. My salary barely covered childcare expenses, and I was overwhelmed with feelings of missing my little one while being miserable both at work and home. Although I cherished my career, the trade-offs no longer seemed worth it. I handed in my resignation and transitioned to a new role.
My new title? Dr. Jennifer Smith, Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM).
Initially, I was thrilled at the prospect of enjoying daytime television and snacking on crackers while Leo happily bounced in his activity center. I even picked up a trilogy of novels, envisioning all the free time I would have. Surely, I could manage housework while keeping my baby entertained, right? I thought many SAHMs spent their days doing little.
Fast forward two years, and I’ve learned just how mistaken I was. For those who think that stay-at-home parents lead a life of leisure, they couldn’t be more off the mark. Take, for instance, the teething phase. Leo would nap sporadically every couple of hours, often requiring extensive rocking to settle him down. I spent countless hours cradling him in the rocking chair, unable to do much else as I tried to soothe his discomfort.
Then came the toddler stage—a whirlwind of activity. Leo, determined to walk before he turned ten months, seemed drawn to every sharp corner in our home. I was constantly on edge, worried about potential injuries, and as he began to explore, I found myself baby-proofing every inch of our space. I dedicated entire days to this task, hovering to ensure his safety.
Ah, the “terrible twos.” As Leo celebrated his second birthday, a mischievous side emerged. The once content little boy began climbing furniture and leaping off surfaces. Even in the brief moments I thought I could take a break, he would find ways to explore at lightning speed. During this phase, my role shifted to that of a vigilant observer, ensuring he didn’t turn a simple jump into a disaster.
Of course, there are moments when I snuggle with Leo, and there are stretches of time where he isn’t scaling furniture. During those rare occasions, I can write a few notes or tackle some laundry. And let’s not forget the precious nap time, where I sometimes enjoy a cup of coffee or, on occasion, even manage to take a quick nap myself.
Yet, that trilogy of novels? It remains untouched on the shelf. If I dare to open a box of crackers, it’s usually accompanied by Leo’s enthusiastic demands. The closest I’ve come to a soap opera is an episode of a children’s show. And as for the Einstein bouncer, let’s just say that keeping a toddler contained is a challenge in itself.
I am not complaining, though. This is the path I chose for my family, and it has proven to be the right decision. To the outside observer, my daily life might seem like an endless cycle of “nothing.” But in my world, filled with coffee, crumbs, and delightful chaos, it’s everything.
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In conclusion, being a stay-at-home mom is often misunderstood. What may look like idleness to outsiders is a full-time job that involves constant engagement, care, and love for my child.