“Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I have done.
You see how easy it is for stay-at-home moms on TV and on social media, BUT they fail to mention the emotions that come with being a stay-at-home mom.
While I am grateful to be able to be at home with our son, ITS HARD.
It is hard making sure all the cleaning is done in the house. It is hard to make sure dinner is done by the time my husband gets home, while having a baby on my hip or a baby that won’t stop crying.
THE GUILT.
I don’t make the money for our family, my husband does.
I can’t contribute financially for our family.
I don’t have to wake up and drive to work.
The guilt eats you up.
THE LONELINESS.
My day consists of laundry, cleaning, and taking care of our son.
I don’t get a lunch break to talk with coworkers and friends.
I don’t get meals to myself.
I don’t have much of a social life, and I have lost friends.
Self care is a 5 minute shower, if possible. Otherwise, it consists of putting in dry shampoo, throwing your hair up in a messy bun, and wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday.
The loneliness is hard to deal with.
THE SADNESS.
I feel alone.
I feel like my circle of friends gets smaller and smaller.
I feel like the laundry, dishes, and vacuuming never end.
I sometimes feel like I fail as a wife and mother.
The sadness takes a toll on you.
THE HAPPINESS.
I can’t think of a better reward than knowing I am raising our son.
Watching our son go through his milestones.
Watching my son’s eyes light up when my husband gets home from a long day at work.
Knowing my husband works hard for our family, so I am able to stay at home with our son.
The happiness makes all the emotions, good and bad, worth it.
Nothing can prepare a woman to be a stay-at-home mom. While it is rewarding, I didn’t expect it to be this tough. While it is tough, it is the best thing I could have done for our family.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kyleen Joan. You can follow her journey on Instagram and on her website. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
Read more from Kyleen here:
Being A Mother Is Hard, Postpartum Disorders Are Even Harder
An Ode To The Women Who Support Hard-Working Men
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