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If You’re a Stay-at-Home Mom, Here’s Why You Should Consider Hiring a Sitter
I have a friend named Lisa who is an incredibly skilled fiber artist. She works part-time from home, creating stunning pieces of art that she has cherished for years. After her son arrived last year, she was determined to keep her career alive without the full-time daycare expenses, thrilled to be working from home while spending time with her little one. But as her son became more active and his naps grew shorter, Lisa quickly realized that she needed extra help and decided to hire a sitter. Despite being a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t hesitate to do it.
If you find yourself in a similar situation and feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to hire a sitter. Whether you need a little time to shower in peace, shave your legs, or just put on some moisturizer, pick up your phone and make the call.
I get it; as mothers, we often feel we need to be superhuman, ready to tackle any challenge in our path. It’s hard to admit we need help, especially for those of us who are home all day. But there’s no shame in asking for support, whether it’s for a few hours every week or just to catch a breather. If you think it’s odd to hire a sitter while you’re home, consider this: is it stranger than feeling like you’re losing your mind by 4 p.m. every day trying to pull dinner together after a long day of caring for kids?
You might think to yourself, “I should be able to manage this on my own.” But remember, hiring someone to assist you can enhance your ability to function effectively. You may feel guilty about needing help, but let that go. You matter too. Whether you want to enjoy some quiet time painting or just take a break, you’re not passing your kids off completely; you’re simply allowing yourself some much-needed self-care.
It’s also common to think, “This is my family. I made this choice.” Yes, it was your choice, but so is the decision to prioritize your own well-being. If you keep running on empty, you could end up feeling grumpy and resentful.
And if you’re worried about what others might think, remember this: their opinions don’t define you. When they see how happy you are after taking a little time for yourself, they might just wish they had your sitter on speed dial. Anyone who judges you for hiring help is likely projecting their own struggles onto you.
You might even say, “But this is my job.” Yes, your job is to love your children and take care of your family, which includes making sure you’re also taken care of.
Concerned about the cost? Look around. There might be a local teenager looking to earn some extra cash or even trade-off childcare with a friend. This way, both of you can reclaim some sanity without breaking the bank.
There’s a commercial I remember from years back about a mom loading a dishwasher on Mother’s Day. It always brought me to tears because it was such a stark reminder that moms rarely get a break. The next time you feel guilty about hiring a sitter to enjoy a book, try some makeup, or grab lunch with a friend, remember you deserve more than just a free sundae once a year for all your hard work.
So go ahead, hire that sitter. You’ve earned it.
In Summary
Hiring a sitter as a stay-at-home mom is not only reasonable but essential for your mental well-being. It’s okay to ask for help, whether you need a little time to yourself or simply want to feel more balanced. You deserve to take breaks without guilt, and doing so can ultimately help you be a better parent.