I've been reading some of these "discussions" and am curious. There isn't much discussion going on. There's just a bunch of name calling.
I am a 28 year old stay at home mom to four beautiful children. All I ever wanted to be (more than anything else) was a mom. I am a supportive military wife to my husband of ten years. We are a very unusual family. We are very conservative. Now before you all go nuts and attack me, hear me out. I was raised in a very liberal, feminist family. I was taught to believe a certain way. When I grew up, I realized that I didn't have to accept my families beliefs and make them my own. I understand how frustrating it can be to read that people think you are a deadbeat. Just let it go. You are doing what you feel is best for your family.....no matter what you decided.
I was a working mom. I remember how it felt to pry my screaming child from my legs and hand him off to a trusted friend, so I wouldn't be late. I remember him begging me to stay home and play with him. We decided that I should quit my job when I became pregnant with my second child. I didn't want to miss all the things I did with my first. I missed the first steps, first words, he didn't even call me mommy until he was two and I only worked part time. Being a military family can be tough financially. But you know what? We haven't wanted for anything. I know our deep Christian faith is to thank for that. I don't know how we make our check stretch so far. Well, I do know.
Staying home can be tough. I understand that you need to be filled as a woman too. It's ok to say that wiping bottoms all day isn't fulfilling. That's why I have gotten involved in ministry, MOPS and other volunteer work. I am just being patient. I am doing the busy mommy work right now. There are seasons to life. Summer is when you are young, before marriage, before your career; Fall is when things slow down, you settle in, get married; Winter is when you have your children. I say this because even though you love them and love being with them you can feel isolated and alone. The days seem to drag by but we barely notice as the years fly. Spring is when you have to let your babies go. They've grown up and are off to their own things. But this is where you feel renewed. Your life is your own again, you are free to come and go with out worrying about a babysitter. Then we are back to Summer. Your children are grown and gone from your home. And hopefully you spent your Winter years well and they have become good people. Your reward:Grand babies! Remember, this is just a season of your life and it will soon be past. I am choosing to be a stay at home mom. That's it. It doesn't make me better than anyone else. This is just the way I want to spend this season of my life.
For information on MOPS you can go to
www.mops.org And ladies MOPS is a group for sahms AND working moms. It's just a support group for mothers with pre school aged children. If you work during the day, there are MOPS that meet at night.
