Let me first say that this article's intent is not to discredit working moms. I applaud moms who sacrifice so much to help provide for their kids. After all, I will be a working mom one day. These experiences are also not limited to those who grew up with a parent at home. But let me delve into what I have actually experienced. Growing up, I have always had my mom around. She chose to be a stay at home mom. She took me to swim lessons, to baton twirling practices, to soccer practice, to volleyball practices; she carted me around anywhere I needed to go. I never knew what it was like to come home to a nanny or to a babysitter. Whenever my parents had plans, I would just go hang out with my grandma. CNN may say that kids of working moms are better off, but I think I turned out alright. Because of it, I learned some things along the way. Here are 11 things that I learned from having a stay at home mom.
1. No matter what path in life I chose, she would be proud of me.
If I wanted to follow in her footsteps and be a full time mom, she would still be proud of me. I wouldn't have a legacy to live up to in the workplace.
2. Just because you are home all day, doesn't mean everything can get done.
It's like weeks where you have only one day off, and try to shove all the "to dos" into one day.
3. Time management.
I admit, sometimes I still suck at this one. But my mom knows how to time manage chores like nobody's business.
4. Patience.
My mom never really got a break from me. I was a pretty sassy and sometimes difficult kid.
5. Taking care of children is important work.
In my sight, raising your children knowing Jesus is one of the most important jobs. With a stay at home mom, more time is spent one on one with the kids.
6. I became more like my mom.
When I was young, I was definitely a daddy's girl. But now, me and my mom can go spend two hours in Target.
7. I became more motherly toward my friends.
Sometimes, I mother my friends, but that's only because I care!
8. It made me fully confident that I want to have children.
I always knew I wanted to have kids, but in hindsight, having my mom around all the time to guide me through life's obstacles really helped me grow.
9. She always gave me the space I needed.
Fact: All moms nag their children. Fiction: All moms stalk their kid's social media.
10. Help around the house was always a requirement.
Sure, my mom didn't leave the house for nine hours each day, but every task soon became hers. Therefore, my help was always needed and appreciated.
11. I was able to spend a lot of quality time in with her.
Since my dad works during the week, I only got quality time with him on weekends. Being a stay at home mom, my mom was able to spend a ton of quality time with me.
