You would think that after countless articles, blogs, and books shedding light on the realities of motherhood, the misconceptions surrounding it would have faded away. Yet, there are still those who believe that being a mom is all about lounging around and enjoying snacks—what even is a bon bon, by the way? Is it some type of chocolate? Do they sell it at Costco? Because it sounds delightful. Even more surprising is that some individuals feel it’s acceptable to express such opinions publicly, as one unfortunate commenter did on the Instagram page of Sarah Mitchell last week.
Sarah, who runs the Instagram account FitMamaAndTwins, is an inspiring fitness enthusiast juggling twin toddlers and another baby on the way. She frequently shares her workout journey, showcasing how she manages to stay active despite her busy schedule. However, someone made an unkind and misinformed remark on her page, and Sarah decided to respond.
This individual, clearly lacking empathy and understanding of a stay-at-home parent’s life, commented, “I wish I could stay home all day and exercise with my kid; instead, I have to go to work and do WORK.” Does this person genuinely believe that Sarah’s social media posts only reflect her day-to-day activities? Do they think reality TV shows depict real life? Sarah’s account is dedicated to demonstrating how to maintain fitness while caring for small children; she’s not sharing every chaotic moment, like when her kids decide to turn the living room into a battlefield.
Sarah was understandably hurt by the comment. “You think I don’t WORK?” she replied. “Do you imagine I spend my days just sitting around? Two energetic toddlers do not allow for that! I’m growing a new baby while keeping up with twin boys who are always on the go!”
As a mother of twins myself, I can vouch for how demanding it is to care for two toddlers. It’s like having a picnic during a storm without any food, and your blanket is on fire! I worked until my kids turned four, and trust me, no job compares to the challenges of raising children. When I went to work, it felt like a vacation—sitting, eating a full meal, and conversing with adults? Pure bliss.
Sarah took the time to explain what her day looks like: “I work out for 20-30 minutes daily, but I often have to pause multiple times to manage toys, snacks, and fights between the kids. Some days, I can’t even get through two minutes of exercise before everything goes haywire! My days are filled with changing diapers, soothing tantrums, and cleaning up food that ends up on the floor.” For many, it’s easy to dismiss the chaos of motherhood, but trust me, it starts before 9 AM!
Fortunately, Sarah has received an outpouring of support from followers who recognize her efforts and dedication. Notably, many of her workout pictures show her actively engaging with her children, proving that prioritizing her health does not mean neglecting her kids. Motherhood is about sacrifice, but it shouldn’t lead to martyrdom.
So, let’s stop being unkind to strangers online. If you’re interested in more on this topic, be sure to check out this post on our other blog.
Summary
The piece discusses the misconceptions surrounding the work of stay-at-home parents, highlighted by a negative comment on a fitness mom’s Instagram post. It emphasizes the challenges of managing young children while trying to maintain personal health and fitness. The article encourages understanding and support for parents navigating the complexities of motherhood.