I read this post the other day and my reaction wasn't positive. I get what the author was saying, but in my opinion, there isn't really anything to feel guilty about. Of course I've felt the same way she does on certain points, but instead of letting myself feel guilty, I choose to count myself blessed beyond what words can convey. So I offer to you this:
The Blessings of Being a Stay at Home Mother
I feel blessed for being able to sit here and write.
I feel blessed when I texted my husband that my babies rolled over for the first time.
I feel blessed as I feel the sunshine boldly on my face while my children ride their bikes in circles around me.
I feel blessed for being able to paint pictures and play soccer with my children.
I feel blessed when I will watch my son's Kindergarten concert--sitting alone.
I feel blessed while I sip my morning coffee and check my emails.
I feel blessed while I go shopping and spend money that I did not earn.
I feel blessed for wasting my college education.
I feel blessed that I get to stay home while many other mother's have to go to work.
I feel blessed.
I feel blessed.
I feel blessed.
The only other thing I have to say is that I don't feel guilty about spending the money that Roger earns because I feel that my contribution to our family right now is worth more than the money I might earn working outside the home. It does make me more conscious of how I spend money.
I'm not even sure why reading the "Guilty" post made me feel so passionately that I needed to write a response, but maybe the author will read it and realize that she shouldn't feel guilty about being a stay at home mom, she should feel blessed.
I, too, feel the way you do Susan. Yes the guilt comes in at times but we truly are blessed to have this opportunity to stay home with our children. The times I feel guilty or bad are when hubby wants to purchase something and I say no b/c its not in the budget...then I feel guilty b/c if I was working then that wouldn't be an issue, right? Wrong, I can't make enough to make it worth paying for daycare vs. staying home, having a bit less, and someone else raising my child. I hate that idea...
ReplyDeletewe truly are BLESSED, BLESSED, BLESSED!!!!!!! :)