I was at my favorite coffee shop when I overheard a conversation that made me cringe. A well-dressed woman greeted her friend with enthusiasm, asking, “How have you been? What are you up to these days?”
Her friend, looking a bit disheveled yet cheerful, replied, “I’ve been good, just busy. After Ava was born, I left my job to become a stay-at-home mom.” As she spoke, her shoulders slumped, and she averted her gaze, seemingly ashamed.
There it was—the dreaded “just a stay-at-home mom” phrase. Can we please stop using that word “just” to undermine such an important role? I implore you, mothers, to eliminate “just” from your vocabulary when discussing your choice to stay home. This word has no place in the conversation about the incredible work you’re doing.
Raising children is no small feat! It’s not merely “just” a stay-at-home job. The term “just” should only apply to trivial matters like, “I think I’ll just wear sneakers today,” or “We’re just going for a walk.”
Think for a moment: when do you hear anyone else diminish their profession with “just”? You don’t hear teachers, nurses, or chefs saying, “I’m just a teacher” or “I’m just a chef.” So why do mothers feel the need to belittle their role?
Ironically, you’ll rarely hear stay-at-home dads refer to their role as “just” a stay-at-home dad. They confidently state, “I handle the kids and manage the household,” without a hint of self-doubt. These dads understand the hard work involved and don’t shy away from acknowledging it.
Moms, it’s time to own your role with pride! Act as confidently as those dads do. Your work at home is vital, whether you have a high school diploma or a PhD. Both deserve equal respect.
We need support from one another. The next time you hear someone say, “I’m just a stay-at-home mom” or “I just work part-time,” interject and say, “You’re not just anything!” Remember, women before us fought for our right to choose our paths, and belittling ourselves only undermines that struggle.
Let’s stand together, ladies. Celebrate your choices and the vital work you do. You matter, and it’s time to stop feeling that you don’t.
For more insights on the journey of parenthood and fertility, check out this post on home insemination kits. You can also visit Make a Mom, a great resource on this topic, and find excellent information on pregnancy at News Medical.