It’s been six months since I worked outside the home. In many ways it feels like just yesterday that I was pulling into work. In other ways, it feels as though I haven’t worked for years. I am, by-no-means, an expert at being a stay-at-home mom. But, the following are some commandments that I am vowing to keep to make myself feel fulfilled and to make this the best experience for my girls.
I will not let myself go
I can see how easy it would be to let myself go — and I don’t just mean physically. I’ll admit it… there have been weeks where I have not plucked my eyebrows and have worn leggings every day. But wow, does it feel good to straighten my hair, read a book, or get in a yoga session. I will schedule in me-time so that I can continue to feel like a real person — physically, emotionally and socially.
I will keep a schedule
It is important for my own sanity that I will keep a schedule. My schedule is not perfectly laid out as it was when I worked. But, I loosely have a daily plan of how the day will go. Does it always go to schedule? Heck no.
I will let go of guilt
When I first became a stay-at-home mom I had a lot of guilt. The guilt that I abandoned my place of work, coworkers and patients. The guilt that I have five years of college under my belt, a Master’s degree, and a certification that are no longer being used for their purpose. And then there is the guilt that I have guilt — I am blessed to have this opportunity to spend time with my girls and I am moping over my former career! So, what has helped me get over the guilt? There is one resonating comment I get from other, more experienced moms and that is “You will not regret your decision to stay home.” I know that I can always return to the working world — which brings me to the next commandment…
I will return to work
I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but someday I anticipate that I will re-enter the working world. I’m sure an opportunity will arise that will fit into my family life. Until then, I will not force work. After all, I only have 18 years before my little birds fly away. I will, however, be ready to go back to work… I’ll keep my certification and keep up with the current news in my profession.
I will proudly state that I am a stay-at-home mom.
I used to love telling people what I did for a living. There was just something so impressive about saying, “I am a clinical exercise physiologist.” I am still proud of what I do but I will occasionally find myself trying to spiff up the phrase “stay-at-home mom.” WHY? There is nothing wrong with staying home with my kids. After all, I am trying to shape little humans into kind, smart and giving people. What’s more important than that?
I’m a stay at home mom too that lives in de pere. I am trying to connect with other stay at home moms since all of my friends that have children work during the day. I also feel guilty for not using my degree. I have a degree in non profit management and am going back to school for teaching so that I can have a job that will work with my children’s schedule
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