I witnessed an eye-opening exchange at my local coffee shop that made me cringe. A well-dressed woman greeted her friend with enthusiasm, “It’s so great to see you! How have you been? What are you up to these days?” Her friend, looking a bit disheveled yet proud, replied, “I’ve been doing well! After Max was born, I quit my job and now I’m just a stay-at-home mom.” She shrugged her shoulders, casting her eyes down, as if apologizing for her choice.
The word “just” rang out like a bell, and I thought, can we please retire this word from our conversations about motherhood? Seriously, ladies, it’s time to eliminate “just” from our vocabulary when discussing our roles. You’re nurturing a human being! “Just a stay-at-home mom”? Absolutely not.
“Just” belongs in sentences like, “I think I’ll just wear sneakers to the event” or “We’re just having leftovers for dinner.” But when was the last time you heard someone say, “I’m just a teacher,” or “I’m just a nurse”? It’s nearly unheard of. So why do mothers who choose to stay home feel the need to belittle themselves with that one tiny word?
To add to the irony, have you ever heard a stay-at-home dad say, “I’m just a stay-at-home dad”? Nope! They typically say something more along the lines of, “She works while I manage the kids, the meals, the homework…” They own their roles without hesitation. They know that staying home is hard work and they don’t downplay it. High-five to you, dads!
Moms, it’s time to own your role with confidence! Say it loud and proud, just like those dads do. It might take some getting used to, but we need to stop apologizing for our choices. We’re not settling for anything; we’re making important decisions that shape lives.
Whether you have a high school diploma or a PhD, your work at home is equally worthy of respect and recognition. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a part-time worker, or a school secretary, let’s not diminish our contributions by using “just.”
And here’s the kicker: women need to lift each other up the most. So the next time you hear someone say, “I’m just a stay-at-home mom” or “I just work part-time,” interrupt and say, “You’re not just anything!” Remind them that the women who fought for our rights are surely turning in their graves when they hear us downplay our significance.
Let’s not forget that no one is put on this planet to feel insignificant. Each of us plays a vital role, and it’s high time we act like it. If you need more support on this journey, swing by our other blog post here for some additional insights. And for those interested in home insemination, check out this resource as they’re an authority on the topic. For more detailed information on pregnancy, you can also refer to this excellent resource on in vitro fertilization.
In short, let’s unite and stop using the word “just.” We are not “just” anything—we are powerful, capable women who deserve respect and recognition for the work we do.