by Michele Connell

Created on: August 09, 2008

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and this question come up, "So what do you do for a living?" They spill out the contents to an exciting career - or at least one that's mediocre and produces a regular paycheck - and when your turn arrives you say, "I'm a stay at home mom."

"Oh...that's nice. You don't have to work." Can you feel the cringe coming on?

Exactly what does most people think stay-at-home mom's do all day? Watch soap operas and take long naps? Maybe in other places, but not at my house.

I have been a stay at home mom for the past nine years. I have two very active children that keep me on my toes every moment. I love that I am able to be with them all day - everyday, but I would be lying if I said that it was easy and stress free. Being a stay-at-home mom requires the right credentials just as any other job might - meaning not everyone is right for this choice. This is not to say that stay home mom's are better than those who work. I have wonderful friends who work in exciting fields, and they are awesome mothers. They love their children dearly, but would never want to stay home all day. It is all about discovering what works best for you and your family, and if the decision is made to stay home then know that it will be exciting and challenging, and just as much hard work (sometimes harder) than going to a career everyday.

So, going back to the original question: Are stay home mom's appreciated enough? I guess the answer would depend on who you ask. In my opinion, society views stay home mom's as the least of all occupations - and yes, I said 'occupation. It ranks low on the totem pole, and frankly a large percentage consider it an easy way out for those who don't want to work. Often, it is considered, more or less, as an obligation and not a career choice.

Well, who else do you know that can hold a job that requires seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day? Loving children is the easy part; taking care of them is what is often challenging. Mom's are cooks, cleaning services, physicians (all kids have boo-boo's), teachers, guiding counselors, mediators, disciplinarians, chauffeurs, coaches, cheerleaders, the list goes on and on. So why is it that this very important choice of being a stay-at-home mom has been deftly relegated the bottom of the pile?

In some respects, to the eyes of society, it appears small and disconnected from the power house of the world surging forward. To others, it seems old-fashioned and outdated (kind of like a rotary phone in a digital world). Though often under-appreciated the fact still remains that mom's shaping, forming and rearing their children are the base of tomorrow's generation. It is a high-ranking, official job with the only payment coming in the form of love, affection, wonderful kids, and everyday rewards such as smiles, hugs, and kisses. It is absolutely worth it!

If this article does anything, I hope that it will show how important stay-at-home mom's really are. Again, I will add that this is not to downgrade women who have careers and work for their families. That is important as well; but the message here is that those who choose to stay home have sacrificed just as much. It is a precious position, which allows room for mistakes, but must never be taken lightly. So whether you choose to stay home, or find a job, everything we do to better tomorrow should be held in high esteem.

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