Being a Stay At Home Mom IS a job. A very hard one . And I Dare anyone to say different. I think a lot of people take it for granted. When someone asks me “What do you do?” or “What is your job?” I proudly say “I’m a Mom.” Being a Mom Is a full time job, even if you have what I refer to as a “second job.” You never stop being a Mom.

Not everyone can be a Stay at Home Mom. Some of us have to be both Mom and Dad to our kids. And some of us are just not meant to be Stay at Home Moms. It takes a certain mentality to handle being at home with kids by yourself all day long.

Back when women were expected to stay at home, I can see why many felt trapped and wanted out.  No one likes being told they have to do something or be someone. Plus when you’re told that you can’t do anything else, it’s no wonder staying at home seemed like a prison. I’m sure so many women were depressed back then. But that is no longer the case. Women, have broken free from the kitchen and are now free to pursue their dreams, interests, and their heart’s desires. We no longer have to stay at home. We can be  superwoman with a career and be Moms at the same time.

That doesn’t mean that being a Stay at Home Mom isn’t a Job that you can be proud of and dedicate your life to. I think that in acquiring freedom from the house, some have gotten the wrong idea about being a Stay at Home Mom. I don’t have tons of “free” time. I’m not a lazy bum with no goals or motivation. I choose to be a Stay at Home Mom.

My days start early – even the weekends. I get myself and two boys dressed and ready, make breakfast, drop Gio off at school, entertain Seppe while I try to clean and organize the house, pick Gio up, make lunch, do homework, entertain both boys, make dinner, give baths, ready stories, and hopefully get them in bed by 8p. I manage to get in a workout during the times Ben is home. You might as well count Ben as a kid too. I may or may not have some peace and quiet after the boys go to sleep. Still have to put leftovers away, dishes, and pick up the toys the boys left out. If I’m lucky I’ll be in bed before midnight and the boys will sleep through the night (which rarely happens – one of them always wakes me up for something). Then I get to wake up and do it all again… Add in grocery shopping, practices, games, play dates, and birthday parties. I am always planning for something. I am always doing something.

It does take a toll on me. I am always tired. My only adult conversations are with Ben or short talks with parents from Gio’s class. The boys test me every day. I worry about them. I want the best for them and I’m not always sure that I am doing what’s right. I make mistakes and I lose my cool and of course feel guilty for it. But despite these challenges, I still Love my Job.

I have been there for every moment. Their first smiles, first word, first laugh, when the crawled, walked, and ran. I’ve watched them learn and grow. They’ve made me laugh and cry. They’ve amazed me. They keep me young. They remind me every day just how precious Life is. And there are going to be even more wonderful moments. Even though I do think of getting a “second job” – mostly to help with finances – there is no job out there that I would trade any of these moments for. I will be there for all of them.

I am truly grateful for Ben who works hard at his job so I can do mine. It is the Best Job in the world.