Thank you so much for your great comment. You wrote it and described it all so eloquently. I totally see and get the difference. And you’re right, we (society and often myself too) undermine the importance of the role of a at-home-mom. Sometimes I foolishly say “I’m JUST a stay at home mom” but it’s not JUST! It’s my job! and I love it and I want to do it. So instead, I should say what you say. Thanks for the reminder.

I agree that it’s definitely not a possibility for many moms here and around the world, which is very unfortunate. But I also believe that some, even those who do have the option, would still choose work, and that’s okay too. At the end of the da, everyone has to do what’s right from them and their family. If Mom is happy, kids are happy! Thanks for your comment 🙂 I hope they appreciate it as well.

And when people asked if I work, I would say “Yes, I’m an at-home mom.” If they asked about when I was going to go “back to work” I would point out that I was already working. After all, nannies and day care staff are considered to be working. Sometimes I thought about going back to paid work, and now that my youngest is off to school (really off—he’s in first year university!) I’m thinking about it even more.

I know these can seem like very picky differences, but I found that they made a difference in the way I thought about my contribution to our family, and to the world. So people talk about how important mothers are, and what an important job we do—and then they talk about us going “back to work.” I think we are doing important work. The pay sucks, and the hours are long. But it’s important work nonetheless.

thanks for your comment. I haven’t even thought about going back to work so I haven’t even asked my oldest what he thinks about that. I’m curious to see his reaction. at least you’ll always know that they do appreciate it NOW, even if down the road things look different to them.