It is true what they say, that the older you get the faster time seems to go by. What they don't tell you is how to manage, appreciate, and make the most of the time you have.
Occasionally I will meet other SAHM's who in addition to being full time mothers carry other titles. Business owner, writer, interior decorator, event planner and something called consultant. Now, I'm not exactly sure what a "consultant" is but if its telling someone what you think about something, sign me up I could do that all day. In fact I wish people would "consult" me on things more often it would make my life a hell of a lot easier.
My question to these mothers is how do you find the time? Seriously, where does it come from? I can hardly get a load of laundry run or take out the garbage, let alone write a business plan, attend a few skype meetings, make cupcakes for a bake sale, and iron the linens. I have been struggling with this question for a while. Is it that I am unproductive? Am I lazy? Do I need something more going on in my life? The answer to all these questions is probably a little bit yes. However I realized that women who carry these extra duties and titles are known as WAHM, or Work At Home Moms. When they put there kids down for a nap they don't have the luxury of settling in to watch TV with leftover pizza, or reading magazines and checking email. They have to work their other job. Their day is a constant battle between two worlds. The world of paid job and the world of unpaid job and they are asked on a daily basis to make sacrifices between the two.
What you may not realize is that I too "work at home". Just because I'm fully dedicated to my job as a mother should not deprive me of the title of Work at Home Mother. True, I don't have an additional paid gig but I am the resident doctor, chef, toy fixer, problem solver, tear wiper, hug giver, mess cleaner, seamstress, laundress, gardener, manager, librarian, and Ill say it, freelance consultant, (even if my advise is unsolicited most of the time). I am all these things and more in addition to mothering my son. Believe me, most of my day is a lot less Stay, and a lot more Work. I'm not a total bum, Im just a damn good and extremely dedicated mother. No longer will I feel guilty when I dont get around to cleaning the bathroom, or moping the kitchen floors. Im working here!
So to all the "Stay at Home Moms" let us not feel inferior to those dutifully titled, "Work at Home Moms". Let us band together in our slipper wearing and our love for reality television. Let us recognize that we have been given the greatest gift of all, more time. WAHM's I salute you for having the energy, dedication, and patience that I lack. Lets all remember the most important thing is that we are mothers, and our hard work and determination to provide the best for our children is what unites us all.
