There’s something I need to share: I spent 17 years as a stay-at-home mom, and I take great pride in that. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be home with my kids. Yet, I often encounter puzzled looks from other mothers when I mention my experience. Yes, I have a degree from UCLA and a background in the working world, and now that my children are growing up and heading off to college, I’m reentering the workforce.
My decision to stay home wasn’t driven by financial constraints or my husband’s wishes; it stemmed from my own childhood experiences. My mother worked throughout my upbringing, and I vividly remember the longing to have her there for support during school events and activities. So, I made a conscious choice to be present for my own children.
The Challenges and Rewards of Motherhood
Being a mom is no small feat. It’s an ambitious role that challenges you every single day. There’s no training manual, no performance reviews, and no way to measure success. It’s an unpredictable adventure where you often find yourself questioning your decisions. Some days, you feel like you’re failing, but then there are those precious moments—like when your child excels in a spelling test you helped them prepare for or finally hits a home run after countless practice sessions. Those moments remind you of the significance of your role.
I’m not looking for sympathy or to be perceived as a trophy wife. Before motherhood, I was a newspaper reporter and an editor at a publishing house. My goal was to nurture empathetic children who knew they were loved and supported. Your judgment doesn’t faze me; it only serves to hold women back from making choices that align with their desires. Some women thrive in a career environment, while others find fulfillment at home. Both choices are valid.
Choosing My Own Path
There’s a common saying that you either parent in the same way as your own parents or intentionally choose a different path. For me, I chose to diverge from my own upbringing. I wanted to be the carpool mom and the one present on school field trips. I traded in my professional career for sweatpants and dedicated myself to my family. I enjoyed exercising, volunteering, and spending quality time with my kids. It wasn’t always glamorous, but it was fulfilling.
Of course, there were financial sacrifices involved in my decision. We opted to forgo certain luxuries, but my husband and I believed having one parent consistently present was essential. I was determined to be the one raising my children myself, rather than relying on daycare or babysitters. While this approach may not suit everyone, it was the right fit for me.
Reentering the Workforce
Now that I’m back in the workforce, with one daughter attending UC Berkeley, another headed to UCLA, and one still in high school, I find myself nostalgic for those days filled with playdates and casual afternoons. Yet, I am also excited to engage with adults and embrace my career once again. I’ve swapped my cozy attire for stylish work shoes, and it feels fantastic!
To all stay-at-home moms out there, I see you and celebrate your choice. There’s no judgment here. Live your life authentically and unapologetically. To the mother who looked at me condescendingly during drop-off, I’ve grown wiser and more confident—your opinions don’t dictate my worth.
Embrace Your Choices
In summary, the journey of motherhood is uniquely challenging and rewarding. It’s vital to embrace your choices without feeling the need to justify them. Whether you choose to work or stay home, what matters is finding fulfillment in your decision.
Keyphrase: stay-at-home mom pride
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