Hey there, friend! I’ve been a single mom juggling multiple jobs and, since getting married, I’ve done everything from full-time work to homeschooling. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned a thing or two about the misconceptions people have about stay-at-home parents (SAHPs).
Every now and then, I encounter folks who think that just because I’m at home, I’m available to be their safety net. Don’t get me wrong, if it’s a true emergency—like a late-night trip to the ER—I’m all in. You can drop your kid off, no problem. But let’s clarify a few things that are NOT emergencies:
- Sick Kids: If your child is too unwell for school, please keep them at home. No one wants to catch whatever bug they have. I get that you have meetings or work commitments, but it’s just not fair to spread the germs around.
- School Breaks: School vacations are not surprises. They’re planned well in advance. So if summer break is approaching, don’t panic on a Sunday and expect me to babysit because you didn’t arrange for childcare. Poor planning on your part doesn’t constitute an emergency for me.
- Unexpected Drop-offs: Please don’t send your kid over to play and then leave without a heads-up. It’s not only inconsiderate but also a bit risky. I mean, child abandonment isn’t something I want on my conscience!
- False Promises: Avoid telling your child they can join us for dinner or outings without checking first. It puts me in an awkward spot when I have to explain that wasn’t agreed upon.
- Volunteering My Time: If you need help with a bake sale or an event for a school your child doesn’t attend, kindly volunteer yourself! Don’t assume I’m on standby to take over your responsibilities.
- Homeschooling My Kids: I love teaching my kids, but no, I won’t be homeschooling yours. It’s a full-time job, and just because I’m dedicated to my children doesn’t mean I’m available for others.
Being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t mean I’m lounging around all day. I’m busy with homeschooling, chores, and raising my kids. Don’t assume that because I’m home, I’m just waiting for someone to drop by and give me something to do.
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In summary, stay-at-home parents are not backup plans. We’ve got our own busy lives, and it’s important to respect that.