I read of this contest where you could win by simply stating on THEIR blog what you wanted to be when you grow up.. Hmmmm- what do I want to be? You see, I haven't grown up, not at all- I've grown older, somewhat wiser, (Some may beg to differ). I spent a few minutes thinking about myself, and this is what was my answer:
What do you want to be? What do your kids want to be? How do childhood experiences affect your career?
All I ever wanted to be was a Mom. A Stay at Home, Milk and cookies making, PTA President, Class Mom - Mom. Maybe because my Mom wasn’t able to be that when I was a child, and I so wanted her to be. I was almost not able to do it, I was wrapped up in the let’s make money and give the kids all the STUFF they want game, then I got and beat cancer, twice. The whole world became crystal clear at that point for me, and I quit my job, successfully had another baby and beat cancer. Then I settled down to Mommydon and all the glory it meant to me. I am a NEVER HOME stay-at-home-Mom, exhausted more than I have even been in my LIFE, and enjoying every single second of it.
It’s not the right choice for everyone, but it was the right choice for us, and I am so happy with the ‘job” I have!
I forgot that I wrote it, and I then I got an e-mail today saying I was a finalist- the one with the most comments wins (You can VOTE FOR ME HERE, if you would, please)
Then, I reread the post: "This entry was chosen as one of the best for the Business Channel “Take Your Sons and Daughters To Work Day” contest" The business channel. Wow. Not to get into a debate about working mom, vs stay-at-home moms, of business people vs Mommies, but recognizing Mothering as a "career" . Hmm. Why, yes, it is. It is. A very hard, very challenging, very lucrative career, paying in kisses rather than paychecks.
I get that some people simply MUST work , staying at home isn't an option, ever, to them. I know one recently single Mom who bemoans the fact every day that she needs to be at work to proivide for her children. My Mom was one of them. They are the Super-Moms of this work- getting it all done. But for those of us who choose not to - choose to give up a career, of a healthy 401K, in order to be full-time Moms, this s a huge boon!
The prize isn't very large for this contest, but, somehow I feel like I've already won- Someone has recognized that Moms (and Dads) who stay home raising their families work just as hard as others in their chosen profession.
I think I'll be smiling all week as I "take my kids to work week" since it's spring break, and they be spending the whole time with me! :)
Wendy - ITA, being a SAHM is the best job. It's the most difficult, but it is most rewarding :-)
Posted by: Carol | April 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Wendy, congrats on being a finalist. :) I agree with your post 100%! I am a SAHM too and I feel very blessed to be able to do so. I'm glad that some people in our society are actually starting to recognize that we SAHMs DO work. Its challenging work, yet very rewarding. I wouldn't give it up for a minute!
Posted by: Mel | April 21, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Hi Wendy. I have a feature on my blog called "Quote Thursdays" where I post a quote related to career, etc. I'll be dedicating the next one to you. This is the quote:
"The phrase 'working mother' is redundant."
Posted by: Celine | April 21, 2008 at 01:26 PM
holy cow this IS work!!! How cool that you are a finalist - good luck!! I am lucky enough to be a stay-home Mom also, and I too love every minute!! Wouldn't change a thing (except the amount of time the kids are at school - I miss them!!)
Posted by: becky | April 21, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Hi Wendy,
Stay at home mom's are also appreciated by teachers. You are the one's that help out with class parties, trips and other school functions while the parents that have no choice, work. Teachers need the STAH mom's and appreciate all they do. I think it is difficult for working parents because they do feel that they have missed out on some neat experiences.
Keep up the good work and it is so great to hear someone so happy and at peace with their choice.
Posted by: Barb | April 21, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Kudos to you and to all of the moms reading this! I could never do what you do! I love the "never at home" stay at home mom tag - - you'd better copyright that one quickly!
Posted by: Anna | April 21, 2008 at 07:03 PM
I voted for your post also. Good for you standing up for all of the SAHMs out there.
Posted by: Melissa | April 21, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Congrats to you! I didn't think I wanted to be a SAHM, but that all changed when my son was about 3. Maybe someday!
Posted by: kristen | April 21, 2008 at 08:49 PM
There are some days when I’m home with my kids on Fridays that I KNOW it would be easier to be at the office, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I love your blog Wendy! Good luck!
Posted by: Lael | April 21, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Thank you... no higher profession in my opinion.
Posted by: Johannah B | April 21, 2008 at 11:25 PM
SAHM cancer Winner and loving every minute of it also! I have 4 boys and they love having there mom and no one else care of them, the may it was meant to be. Yes, sometimes it isn't a choice, but something it is because we choice to have more than we really need. Our kids deserve there moms!
Great post!
Posted by: Kimberly Pervez | April 22, 2008 at 01:08 AM
I think the profession of a SAHM is the "best-paying" career there is!
Posted by: Val | April 22, 2008 at 06:19 AM
I really think that it's important for moms to stay home for their kids if they can (understand that is not possible for many people for different reasons). Anyway, congrats on beating cancer twice!!!
Posted by: Claire | April 22, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Wow, that's wonderful, more POWER to you!!!
Posted by: Andrea | April 22, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Hey I love your blog. How truly positive. You are an inspiration to all Stay at Home Moms. Thank you!
Posted by: stuntmom | April 23, 2008 at 05:58 AM
Congrats on being a finalist...I went and voted! Hope you win!
Posted by: sara l. | April 23, 2008 at 10:26 AM
thats great i love being a sahm, when i grew up i always wanted to be a mom, i was old i couln't have kids and the lord blessed me with 3
Posted by: brandy w | April 23, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.
Posted by: MaryLee | April 23, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I voted for you, because I truly believe what I posted there, that a SAHM has the highest calling of any profession out there. Best of Luck.
Posted by: Tammy | April 23, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Great post! I hope that one day I, too, can become a SAHM. I dread getting up every morning to walk out the door. I leave my daughter with my own mother, which she had to work when I was small so I'm fortunate that she can take care of my little one while I go off to the career world every day. It disheartens me though because I want to be there myself.
Posted by: Marcia | April 23, 2008 at 01:23 PM
You rock! I get to be a stay at home mom and while sometimes I go a little stir crazy (my son's only 1 - but hey, I have the internet to keep me company, right?) I couldn't imagine having to work full time and be a mom. Wow. So yes, we work at home, but kudos to all the moms who don't have this option!
Posted by: Krista | April 23, 2008 at 10:12 PM
All I ever wanted to be was a stay at home mum too! I find it so frustrating that others won't recognize it as a career choice... even my inlaws think I'm lazy for staying with the kids. I'm so glad I found your site, just to know there are other people who share my conviction in life.
www.sevendaymother.com
Posted by: Danielle | May 24, 2008 at 11:09 PM