Growing up my mom had an in-home daycare and babies were all around all the time. Around the age of five, I clearly remember playing in the room with the babies and pretending they were all my children. I would walk around counting them and making sure they were all okay. Fast forward to adulthood and my husband who is an only child, thought I was a little crazy for wanting a house full of kids. He couldn’t imagine what that would be like. As fate would have it we would have our own brood of four kids. I joked after the first, “What’s one more?” and that phrase seemed to repeat itself. When my second child came along it made sense for our family that I become a stay-at-home mom.
Being a stay-at-home mom was more than sitting around staring at my newborn and it brought along it’s fair share of challenges. But when I look at the big picture I am more fulfilled than I ever was. In the eight years that I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom, I have also become a homeschooling mom and nurtured a hobby turned business.
What I Love Most About Being A Stay At Home Mom
Molding My People
Having this precious time with my children has given me invaluable time to experience so much life with them. I sat in a doctor’s office waiting room with my four-month-old, six and eight-year-old in tow a week after we committed to homeschooling. That entire week I was worried, worried about my daughters results and worried I was making a huge mistake committing to homeschooling. I knew they would most likely be bored out of their minds, and I worried these errands would always get in the way of our traditional school learning. I gave my boys a challenge to each do one kind gesture to someone during that trip. Whether it was using their manners, holding the door for someone or just being kind in their own way. Not only did they each do one nice thing, but they made it a game to do many that afternoon. Strangers started to take notice and praise them for their generosity. I was secretly worried about this appointment we were at, but I quickly reminded myself to turn to prayer as we sat there in that private room.
I pulled my boys in and asked them to pray with mama. They held their little hands over their sister and shut their eyes, in that moment even though I had not said a word about being stressed about their sisters’ results they knew exactly what we were about to pray for. We prayed over our sweet sis and thanked Jesus for his mercies. My boys brought so much peace to my heart as we passed the time enjoying each other’s company. When the Dr. came in bright-eyed and excited to let me know her numbers were back to normal, my oldest loudly sighed “Praise God”. The Dr. touched my sons hand and mine and said you teach a boy to thank God like that and our faithfulness will be rewarded.
That sentiment stuck with me and reminded me that I was making the right decision. I am following Jesus’s plan for my life and I need to trust him.
Our Precious Time
Before becoming a stay-at-home parent we were confined to enjoying weekends and after-work hours only. Stay-at-home parenting means we get to enjoy quiet mornings at our favorite places without the crowds and we have more time together.
Homeschooling is Easier
For me homeschooling is another facet of my relationship with my children and it is a daily adventure to have this precious time with them. It wasn’t until my oldest entered 5th grade at a public school that I even entertained the idea of homeschooling. Homeschooling is so much easier to accomplish when you are a stay at home mom. Although, you don’t have to be a stay at home parent to homeschool as a matter of fact, I have learned of many parents who juggle working outside the home and homeschool.
Learning to Manage Income Differently
When I decided to become a stay at home mom and diminish my income completely, I knew that I would have to alter my spending. Becoming thrifty became fun and a hobby in itself. Learning to save a few dollars here and there started to add up. I have learned to take advantage of special offers, sales and coupons. Managing our income in a new way became a passion of mine.
Knowing this is a season
Whether you stay home with your newborn for six weeks, six months, or six years. These moments we take to slow down and enjoy the development of our children are special. I decided to close this season of staying at home so that I could provide differently for my family. I trust that God has his hand in all of my decisions and I don’t look at my time as a working mom or stay at home mom to be negative. I embrace the moments and look forward to the seasons of life and enjoy them as they come.
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