In the ongoing conversation about motherhood, one would think that the notion of being a stay-at-home parent as “not real work” would have been thoroughly debunked. Yet, there are still individuals who believe that parenting consists of lounging around and indulging in sweets (seriously, what even is a bon bon? Is it chocolate? Can I find them at Costco? They sound delightful). Recently, this misguided opinion surfaced on the Instagram account of a fitness-focused mom, Jamie Thompson, who runs a page called FitMomsAndBiceps.
Jamie, who is a fit and fabulous mother of twin toddlers and soon-to-be a new baby, frequently shares her journey of balancing fitness with motherhood. However, last week, someone made an ill-informed comment on her post, suggesting that she has it easy while others toil away at their “real jobs.” Do they genuinely believe that because Jamie showcases her workouts, that’s all she does? It’s like thinking reality TV is genuine or that contestants on dating shows are there for true love.
The comment struck a nerve, and Jamie responded with passion. “Work?” she exclaimed. “You think I sit at home all day, twiddling my thumbs? Do you believe that my two active toddlers just let me take it easy after my workout? You think I am brimming with energy while juggling a new baby and two rambunctious toddlers?”
As a mother of twins myself, I can assure you that managing two two-year-olds is no simple task. Imagine a picnic during a storm where you forget the food and the blanket is made of fire. During my own experience in the workforce, I often felt like I was on vacation by comparison—enjoying uninterrupted meals, sitting down, and engaging with adults.
Jamie further clarified her reality: “To break it down… I manage to work out for 20-30 minutes a day, frequently interrupted by toy retrievals, snack breaks, and toddler meltdowns. My days are filled with diaper changes, tantrum management, and attempting to get my little ones to nap while they resist at every turn.” It’s not just a half-day of chaos; these challenges often begin before the sun is fully up!
Support for Jamie has poured in from fellow parents who recognize the hard work involved in raising children. Notably, many of her photos depict her actively engaging with her kids while maintaining her fitness routine, illustrating that prioritizing health doesn’t equate to neglecting her responsibilities as a mother. Motherhood is a series of sacrifices, but it doesn’t have to involve martyrdom.
So, let’s be kinder to each other in the online space. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and it’s essential to uplift rather than tear down.
For more insights into parenting and family planning, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the NHS, or explore how you can achieve pregnancy with help from sites like Make A Mom, known for their expertise in at-home insemination kits. And if you’re curious about different methods of insemination, our other blog post has some great information on this topic.
Summary:
This article emphasizes the hard work involved in being a stay-at-home parent, countering the misconception that it is not a “real job.” It highlights the daily challenges faced by parents, illustrated through the experiences of a fitness-focused mom, Jamie Thompson. The piece calls for empathy and understanding towards parents balancing fitness and child-rearing while pointing readers to valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.