I'm so excited to start featuring guest contributors on my blog page! If you would like to submit any form of creative outlet for consideration on my blog, please email me your piece at Admin@workingmomsrealty.com. I look forward to featuring all types of parents, all working statuses, and all forms of creative pieces from people I connect with. Thanks in advance for your submission and please enjoy my first guest piece.
-Lisa Paller
Guest post by: Erika Weigle
Think being a stay-at-home mom is taking the easy way out? Think again! Before I became one, I too had my own ideas of what such a role entailed. Everyone has their own fairytale of staying at home to raise little ones, but despite what you see on TV and in the movies, it’s not as glamorous as it seems.
I knew nothing about the physical, mental, emotional, and social toll that being a SAHM requires. This is especially true because of the pandemic, which has made the role even harder. One thing is for sure though – being a mom requires some serious toughness!
The role of mom is unlike any other job. With a traditional job, you have set duties, roles, and assignments. And there’s plenty of training you can take if you need to brush up on your skills.
But when it comes to motherhood, there’s no how-to book. (Or rather maybe there are too many?!) You learn on the fly. Each day brings new adventures and challenges. And let’s not forget to mention that being a mom literally means you wear endless hats on a daily basis.
Not only are you mommy, you're a snuggler, boo-boo healer, chef, doctor, maid, nurturer, teacher, chauffeur, mind-reader...and the list goes on and on.
Despite all of the stigma and misconceptions that surround SAHM, I can say firsthand that it’s not the easy way out. In fact, this job may be the most stressful yet endearing role ever.
Sometimes I think that the words "stay-at-home" take away from the most important and relevant word: mom. It doesn’t matter if you spend your days at home, sitting behind a desk, or traveling from place to place, the word that holds the most weight is mom. And that’s what people should really focus on.
Women should be valued for being moms rather than being defined by where they spend most hours of the day. All moms are great people!
The role of women in society has continued to evolve over the last few decades. Women play a crucial role in the workforce and in society as a whole. Just look at the growing number of female CEOs and entrepreneurs.
While women have become more valuable outside of the home, they're just as valuable inside of the home as well. But in a world where money dictates value, success, and self-worth, it’s all too easy to feel less than working moms.
What many people don’t realize is that being a SAHM is worth its weight in gold. All of the time, effort, love, and care that I dedicate each day is truly priceless. And being able to watch my kids grow up is nothing that I could ever put a price tag on.
It's also important to look at the historical contrast of women and their role in society. Decades ago, women were forced to stay at home. They were meant to be homemakers and dads were the providers. Isn't it ironic how today being a stay-at-home mom has such a negative connotation? Modern society expects women to have a career outside of the home.
The good news is I, like many other moms, have the freedom to choose our own path in life. Not only am I a stay-at-home mom, but I’m also an entrepreneur and business owner who seeks to help other moms!
Don’t let being a stay-at-home parent keep you from chasing your dreams and achieving amazing things.
Being a stay-at-home-mom is the absolute happiest time of my life. I am so lucky to be able to spend each day with my kids and seeing them hit their milestones for the first time. But on the other hand, it’s also the most challenging work role I’ve ever had.
Not only is this a job I can’t quit, I also can’t fail at it! I can’t take a day off or call out sick. I can’t slack off when I’m mentally or physically tired. Instead, I have to be tough in every form of the word.
And while being a mom isn’t easy (despite what people say and think), it’s not a job that I’d trade for the world!
Erika Weigle is a proud mom of two daughters, soon to be three, 3 and under. After her first child was born she became a part-time marketing consultant and full-time stay-at-home mom. Erika lives in Chattanooga, TN with her husband, kids and two fur babies.