The SAHM Pt. 3

Ok wow, never have I posted three post in one day nor have I gotten such a stir from one topic! Obviously I've struck a chord here. First off I want to say I appreciate ALL of your comments. Not one of them offends me... Ok just that one I mentioned in the last post, but the rest of them, I honestly appreciate. You either are on the same page as me, and pose the same questions I do, or you have opened my eyes to a different point of view that I never thought of.

I really hope I don't come across cocky or "know it all" I try to be upfront and say that I either have no idea what I'm talking about, or I'm guessing and just asking your advice and questions on what YOU think is hard about the job. I didn't realize it was such a touchy subject but I imagine it must be a battle many SAHMs face (defending their job against people who say their job ISN'T cushy like some of us may think).

I hope you realize that I am really excited to eat my words. If having a kid and spending 3 months at home full time with them will make me HAPPY to go back to work full-time then bring it on! Haha.

But I do want to highlight a few comments that REALLY sum up how I feel and what I've learned.

How I feel: Summed up my Mrs. Smith:

"Being at home is easier than having a full time job AND being a mother. Hello! It's two things. I am NOT saying being a SAHM is not hard, it is. But can't something be a little-bit harder?"

Comments that really made the light go off for me:
Mrs. Foote:

"But you know what IS hard? Teaching kids. It's emotionally draining and requires a ton of patience. This can really push people to the brink, especially the perfectionists. They don't want to see their own flesh and blood fail. Each child you add to your family brings their own challenges and strengths. The joy in motherhood comes from watching your children overcome their challenges and maximize their potential. The heartache comes when they cannot overcome their challenges."

And Mrs. Pearson:

"Why do you think more moms are on antidepressants than any other 'profession'? It isn't just post partum that takes it out of you. You deal with kids that drive you crazy everyday, and you love them more than anything, but they never say thank you, and they don't listen, and when they do listen, it is always when you are doing something you don't want them to ever do. It's emotionally, mentally, and physically draining."

Ok Jenna and Kayce, can I just say that THOSE explanations really hit home. I often feel under appreciated at my job, but the people I work with aren't my own flesh and blood (thank goodness!) So all in all I hope you realize I wasn't trying to say the job IS NOT hard, I was just honestly asking what was so hard about it... Not trying to downplay it (although I did add a little sarcastic humor which obviously offended some, sorry). I really just.. As an outsider looking in, wanted to know.

Now, reading these responses I have more of an idea of what makes being a stay at home mom one of the hardest jobs in the world.