Hey there, wonderful Stay-at-Home Mom,
I’m a working mom, and I think we have more in common than we realize. But when I scroll through social media, it feels like we’re caught in this endless competition over who has it tougher.
Here’s the deal: I believe motherhood is a team effort, and we all need each other. For us to truly support one another and create the village we all desire, it’s essential to understand each other’s experiences.
So, SAHM, here are five things I want you to know about me, the working mom:
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I totally get that you’re not just lounging around at home. I know you work hard, and I see it firsthand when I spend my weekends with my child. It’s exhausting, even with my partner’s help. Your ability to manage everything for your little ones while tackling household duties is something I deeply respect. It’s no walk in the park.
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Work is not a break for me. I have clients, deadlines, and bosses all demanding my attention. I rarely take a proper lunch break because I’m always trying to get ahead on projects. I live in constant anticipation of that dreaded call from daycare saying, “Your child is sick; come pick her up.” I push myself so that when that call comes, I can drop everything and rush to my little one.
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I genuinely need your friendship. I see your posts about playdates and activities with other moms, and I can’t help but feel a pang of envy for the connections you’re forming. I long for that sense of community too, but building it as a working mom is trickier. So, when you see me at the park in my work clothes, please don’t judge. I’m there to enjoy time with my child, just like you are.
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I view myself as a full-time mom. I promise I’m actively parenting my child. I’m not outsourcing my motherhood, as some people imply. Just because I step into the office doesn’t mean I stop being a mom. In fact, I stay in touch with my daughter’s school and doctors, and I look for ways to plan fun activities whenever I can. It’s a juggling act that’s tailored for my family’s needs, and part of it involves providing for us financially.
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Choosing my career over my child? That misconception really stings. Nobody questions my husband about this, yet it’s a constant narrative I face. I work because my family relies on my income, and I also love what I do. More importantly, I believe in advocating for better maternity benefits, equal pay, and overall support for families. I want a brighter future for my daughter, and for yours too.
SAHM, let’s unite instead of focusing on our differences. We can truly complement one another, and our partnership can pave the way for our daughters to have more opportunities in balancing work and family. Let’s create a supportive environment for our sons too, so they can feel backed by their workplaces when they need to leave unexpectedly.
So, let’s join forces! It’ll be fun, and I promise to bring the good snacks. And yes, I’m all ears for what you want me to understand too.