Choosing work over being a stay-at-home mum?

How many times do you hear these kinds of conversations? I don't work, I stay at home and look after the children. I'm just a Mum. Who decided that looking after the children was not work? Why do mums continue to put themselves down? JUST being a mum is the hardest job there is. It is 24 hours a day, every day for years and years.

If you are a mum don't even think that your work will end when your child leaves school, leaves home, or goes to university; No not even when she gets married will the temptation to mother subside.

Being a stay-at-home mum is tiring. Out of your exhaustion comes irritability that may feed your temper, but when little Lulu goes to sleep her angelic smile will soothe your shattered nerves and you will breath a momentary sigh of relief. That is the moment before you begin your guilt trip. "How could I have got cross - just look at her, she is so gorgeous - just like you darling."

Oh and there is the expense of course. Some clever people have worked out how much it costs to bring up children these days. Well all you need to know really as that it is probably more than you have got and they will eat in to your budget as long as you let them.

Ask me if I would choose work over being a stay at home mum. No, never. My children are grown now, they still hug me and want to spend time with me. They have made strong and lasting friendships and have good jobs and I was there to see it all. I may not have much money but I am surely rich.

Thank you for reading.

Learn more about this author, Margaret Simms.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: Choosing work over being a stay-at-home mom?
We want to hear your view. Write now!