Want to know 10 things they don’t tell you before becoming a stay-at-home mom? Trust me I know from experience and want to give you a small idea into the life of a SAHM.
Having children in your life is amazing. On top of that- if you are able- to watch them grow at home from start to finish is beyond a blessing. If you are anything like me you take your job as a parent so seriously. I have done my research into the benefits of staying home with my first child and I was sold! 7 years later I am still going strong with my beautiful babies.
But that is not what we are here for right? We are here for the nitty-gritty of the ins and outs of being a FULL-time parent. As a mother of three, I promise to be honest and give you my top 10 things (although there are more) that SAHM don’t tell you.
This post will talk about the life of a stay-at-home mom and how to balance your life. Because you got this!
After learning about all of the highs and lows of a Stay home mom I would love to hear some of your own story down in the comment sections. Did I miss anything or have you experienced anything personal to your journey as a Stay at home mom?
This post is all about the life of a stay-at-home mom.
You Are Working 24/7
Working 24/7 as a stay-at-home mom is challenging because it involves constant caregiving responsibilities without breaks or designated working hours. It can lead to exhaustion, lack of personal time, and difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The emotional and physical demands of caring for children and managing household tasks without regular rest can be overwhelming and draining.
No One Thinks It’s A Real Job
People do not consider being a stay-at-home mom a “real job” because it lacks traditional workplace structures, such as a fixed salary or career progression.
On top of that, societal norms often undervalue unpaid domestic work, such as caregiving and household management. This perception overlooks the immense dedication, skill, and effort required for parenting and maintaining a household, dismissing it as merely a personal choice rather than a legitimate occupation.
Your Husbands Contributions is Held Higher Than Your Own
This expectation often stems from traditional gender roles and societal norms that prioritize the breadwinner’s role. Stay-at-home moms may be expected to defer to their husbands as the primary earners, reinforcing the idea that their contributions are more significant.
This dynamic can lead to a lack of recognition for the emotional, physical, and logistical work performed by stay-at-home moms, perpetuating unequal power dynamics within the household.
You Are Expected To Do ALL OF THE WORK AROUND THE HOUSE
The expectation for stay-at-home moms to do all the housework often arises from traditional gender roles. This is because of societal norms that assign domestic responsibilities to women. This expectation overlooks the shared responsibility for household tasks and reinforces outdated stereotypes about gender roles and division of labor.
Because stay-at-home moms are seen as primarily responsible for the home. There may be an assumption that We have more time. Therefore- be more flexible to manage household duties compared to their working partners.
You Will Get Touched Out By EVERYONE
Being a stay-at-home wife can lead to feeling “touched out” as you may be constantly attending to the needs of others without much personal space or time for yourself. Family members may rely heavily on you for emotional support, physical care, and household management, leaving little room for solitude or relaxation.
This constant demand for attention and physical contact can become overwhelming. Leading to a feeling of being “touched out” by everyone around you.
Finding Genuine Mom Group Friends Will Be Very Difficult (but so worth it)
Finding genuine mom group friends can be challenging due to varying parenting styles, personalities, and schedules. However, forming authentic connections with other moms who understand the joys and struggles of motherhood can be incredibly rewarding.
It may take time to find like-minded individuals who share common interests and values. The support and camaraderie gained from genuine mom friendships make the effort worthwhile.
Other Moms Will Shame You
Unfortunately, some moms may engage in shaming behaviors, whether intentionally or unintentionally, based on their own beliefs, insecurities, or judgments. This could involve criticism of parenting choices, lifestyle decisions, or even personal attributes. However, it’s essential to remember that such behavior often reflects more about the shamer than the person being shamed.
Building a supportive network of friends who uplift and respect each other can help mitigate the impact of mom shaming. Fostering a positive environment for mutual growth and understanding.
People Expect You To Be Free For All Of Your Kid’s Activities And Events (volunteer)
There’s often an expectation for stay-at-home parents to be available for their children’s activities and events, including volunteering. This assumption stems from the belief that since they’re not employed outside the home. We have more flexibility with our time.
However, this expectation overlooks the numerous responsibilities and tasks that stay-at-home parents juggle. Which can make it challenging to commit to every activity or event. Moms need to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being while still supporting their children as much as possible.
Your Health Will Decline (get those teeth checkout)
Being a stay-at-home parent can indeed impact one’s health. The demands of caregiving and household responsibilities can be physically and emotionally taxing. Neglecting one’s health, such as postponing dental checkups, can occur due to a lack of time, and resources, or prioritization of others’ needs over one’s own.
Stay-at-home parents must prioritize self-care, including regular health checkups, to maintain their well-being and effectively care for their families in the long term.
You Will Feel Isolated From The World
Stay-at-home parents can indeed experience feelings of isolation due to spending a significant amount of time at home caring for their children. This isolation can be exacerbated by limited adult interaction and a lack of opportunities to engage in activities outside the home.
Additionally, societal expectations and pressures may contribute to feelings of being disconnected from the world beyond the family unit. It’s essential for stay-at-home parents to actively seek out social connections. Whether through parent groups, online communities, or hobbies, to combat feelings of isolation and maintain a sense of connection with the outside world.
This post was about the life of a stay-at-home mom and how to balance your life
In conclusion, being a stay-at-home mom presents numerous challenges, from the constant caregiving responsibilities to the potential for isolation and the struggle to balance personal needs with those of the family. However, despite these difficulties, the rewards of being a stay-at-home mom are immeasurable. The opportunity to witness and actively participate in your child’s growth and development, the chance to create a nurturing and loving environment, and the flexibility to prioritize family values and needs are all invaluable aspects of this role.
While finding balance may be a continual journey, the profound impact on both the family unit and personal fulfillment makes the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom undeniably worthwhile.
Luv,
Contact us: Send an email to milliealleyrose@lztwasmy
