I always imagined that being a stay at home mom would allow me to do some of the things that I didn’t get to do while I was in the workforce. I pictured myself visiting different neighbourhoods throughout Toronto, walking around, discovering new stores and enjoying the fresh air or a nice cup of coffee. That was all fine and dandy, until reality sank in. I had Kyle and hardly had time to get to know my own neighborhood let alone visit other ones in Toronto. Well, here’s a couple of other things I didn’t really expect to experience either, but I’m laying it all out so there’s no confusion about the realities of a stay at home mom (mine anyways).
- I wear the same clothes two days in a row if I know I wont be seeing the same people both days (my husband and son are exempt from this rule)
- I know the theme songs to 10 kid shows (and it’s not because I remember them from my childhood)
- I spend more time in the washroom than I really need too
- I let my 2-year-old get away with more than he should because I don’t want to have a bad day
- Many of my child’s activities include shopping
- I can’t DIY anything 🙁
- I look forward to my phone blinking as it’s my way to communicate with the outside world
- I enter several online contests as a way to “contribute financially” to my family
- The iPad is my son’s best friend
- My favorite book to read is “magazines”
- My cleaning schedule depends on when we’re expecting guests
- I know kids love repetition but if I have to read the same book more than 10 nights straight I start to shake (and quickly hide that book)
- I don’t always make my son’s food from scratch
- I don’t buy organic
- I never wear sweatpants because I don’t want to fall into the stereotype
- I don’t always compost because the garbage is more accessible. Hoping to learn more about dumpster rentals.
- After 2 years as a SAHM, my cooking hasn’t improved
- Obtaining my MBA was a cinch compared to being a SAHM
- Even thought I can’t always describe in detail what I do all day long, I promise you I’m busy and exhausted by the time I put my son to bed
- I still prefer being a stay at home mom over working outside the home
If you’re a stay at home mom, what are some of the things that surprised you the most that you weren’t expecting to feel or experience?
You are right, there is nothing as exhausting and nothing as rewarding. Sadly my little ones have started school now so I’ve ventured back out into the working world. I’m less tired but I miss them terribly 🙁 The time went much too quickly for my liking.
Even though it’s a long way for us, I still think about what I’ll do when my kids go to school. Sometimes I just rather not think about it all together (out of site, out of mind).
“My cleaning schedule depends on when we’re expecting guests” I think humiliation is a very effective cleaning tool! Great post.
hahah. Tnx. Humiliation and keeping appearance. That’s what I go for 😉
I thought that I would have lots more time to be out and be social with other mums. Turns out I’m much happier at home so that I don’t have to wrestle a tired baby to go to sleep each evening.
Sometimes I clean the house in the 10 minutes before my husband gets home because I wanted to do nothing all day. (and pray he doesn’t get home early)
Instead of sweatpants, I spend days in pyjama pants which is worse? better? Either way it’s not clothes, so not great.
ah! I don’t worry about my husband. he thinks we should get a cleaning lady. I think my method works fine though 😉 I guess if I didn’t leave the house, I’d be in sweatpants all day long (or pyjama pants). But I try to get out of the house at least once a day – mostly for my sanity!
Now I’m even more terrified from the future than ever…. 🙂
sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. It really is fun and so different for everyone. Good-luck!
No worries, it’s just the unknown that scares me. I’m sure I’ll find my way 🙂
Thanks!
Great post Maya! I’ll have to share it with my other SAHM friends!
Thanks Irit 🙂 Hopefully you could relate a little too???
very insightful. funny at the same time brutally true 🙂 great post!
Thanks! The more I think about it, the more I can add, but maybe I’ll just have to do part 2. 🙂
lol…I can relate to a few of your list items! So true…love it Maya!
Thanks Lisa. Miss you and sweet Luca. xoxo
Great post Maya. I so hear you it such a rewarding job as hard as it can be I wouldn’t change it for anything. Plus I cant see Shmulik switching places with me.
oh ya! Same with John. At least I know he TRULY appreciates what I do 🙂
Such a funny post. Love the cleaning and clothing rules! 🙂
haha! glad you enjoyed it. Does that mean I’m not alone??? lol
Great post! I’m not a stay-at-home mom, full time anyway. I work full time, but half day at home with my daughter because she’s in 1/2 day kindergarten and the other half of my day is spent at the office. One might say that I have the best of both worlds, but it’s really just stressful, stressful, stressful. I don’t feel like I’m giving 100% to anything and most days I barely feel like I’m giving 50%. But everything you put in your list is exactly why I’m afraid to give up my job…just in case I’m not strong enough to be a stay-at-home mom. Because, let’s face it, it takes a strong woman to do what you’re doing. But you sound like you’re doing great. I’m part envious and part thankful that I’m not in your shoes.
oh ya. I think doing the half and half is even harder than 100% of one or the other. Good for you though. I guess it does let you enjoy the best of both worlds (when you’re not stressed or exhausted). I guess no one said parenthood was going to be easy. At least we can all make our own choices of how we want to do it.
This post is so accurate. Love it. Thanks for sharing.