by Sarah Tierney
I write this to compliment Emily’s post on the single mom’s perspective of married moms.
Emily says,
“The job of motherhood is challenging no matter the circumstances, but I don’t see my job being any harder or any easier. But I believe it is important to recognize how amazing moms are on both sides of the relationship status.”
Well, Emily, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I’m ashamed to admit I sometimes measure up my hard work and effort against other moms but this isn’t a healthy way of thinking. Recently I’ve tried to become more mindful of how I think…I don’t like it when older moms look down on young moms and vice versa. Nothing positive can come from this kind of thinking.
I am a single mother who works a full-time job during the day then comes home to two kids to feed and clean up after. I have some friends and relatives whom are fortunate enough to be financially stable and stay home with their kids. My old self would roll her eyes when Facebook posts popped up on my newsfeed consisting of complaining about the day’s events of child tantrums and neverending lists of chores. But after some soul searching and digging deep into my one-sided opinion I realized that I don’t think I’m “better” than the SAHM…I probably couldn’t survive at it!
I love my kids more than anything but taking them out grocery shopping leaves me sweating and begging for naptime. I couldn’t imagine being home with them every day all day, trying to plan educational activities to keep their minds busy or finding playdates to build their social skills. Work provides me with “adult time,” even if that adult time is working with customers and coworkers.
The end result is SAHMs don’t have it easier; they work just as hard as me and have the same parenting responsibilities. We just do it in different ways. I admire those moms who are able to give up their time to invest in their children; just as I hope to be an inspiration to other moms either newly single or getting back into the work force again. We’re all part of the same family—trying to be the best mothers we can be so we can bring up the best kids ever.
Nicely said! I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum, and they can both be exhausting!
Hello Tara,
I love this article because I have been a stay at home mom for several years and I have come to realize it is tough on all mothers because we all have full time jobs trying to be the best mother we can. We all have other things to focus on as well. I also, like most moms have wanted to stay in shape after pregnancy. Its one of my goals to help losing weight after giving birth an easier transition. Please check out my blog and comment. I would love to hear from you!
Hi Tara,
As you said, it’s hard for all moms. Many moms who work outside the home have to work and come home and work again. For mom like myself who are at home, it’s exhausting and isolating. Mommy life is tough as you. Good post!