Emotional Rollercoaster

I have learned a lot of things staying at home with my kids. Being an "at home" mom is emotionally challenging job. People never understand why its hard to be at home with your kids all day. I'm sure you're saying to yourself as you read this, "who wouldn't want to be at home all day with their kids & not have to work?". It's not that I don't enjoy being with my kids, watching them grow & learn new things that you may have taught them. But it takes a special person to embrace this job. I finally have figured out why its so hard & how to finally explain to people what I mean by it.

It's emotionally challenging...some days are better than others, some days are kinda peaceful...others extremely chaotic. I can handle it physically. I get tired just like everybody else, I need a break just like everyone else. But when you get physically and mentally tired it takes a huge tole on your emotional state. Sometimes the constant bickering & cries combined with the mounting household chores & lack of rest builds and builds until you have a melt down.

It can be physically challenging at times...The physical aspect of it I don't typically mind...I actually enjoy it. It just like an alternative workout plan, lol. I really think people don't understand because they equate staying at home with doing nothing. FAR FROM the truth. I typically do more work than you would at a "job". Most people sit at a desk all day at work, that doesn't mean you're doing nothing or that your job is easy. To simply put it, if I do nothing then your babysitter/daycare provider does nothing...and you pay them...

Its mentally challenging...I'm alone with two young toddlers all day. I sometimes don't interact with an adult until my husband comes home, which is usually later than the average husband. It can become frustrating when the most stimulating conversation you've had all day is the debate with your 2 year old on why he must eat his food before he gets juice. Trying to stand your ground and not give in for peace of mind while your child throws a tantrum is challenging.

One thing a person must never do is compare staying at home mothers to those of working mothers. Its like comparing apples and oranges. I often look at people who do that like are you freaking serious? So what I do isn't work? Isn't my job just as challenging as hers? I am more than capable of holding down a job & my motherly/wifely duties just like she is. I mean I finished college while raising a baby. Its not that I cannot handle or that I'm struggling with my job as a SAHM. I just need people to understand that I am a working mother...my job is challenging...and give me my respect & props for holding it down at home.

Btw: I consider myself a work at home mom...on a pursuit to building my dreams & my family