This post was inspired by a lot of moms who feel they are actually doing nothing by being full time parents. And Yes I disagree that being a full time mom is not a challenging job. Shaping somebody’s life and value system cannot be a job that’s of any less important than the one that makes a hefty sum. Giving up a professional career to become an expert at changing diapers is not the most gratifying job and can be quite frustrating.
After being there on both sides I would recommend to the moms that take a decision to be a full time mom only and only when you are extremely sure that your life will be completely different and that is your choice. Parenting is a full-time job. It’s not just a job; it’s an opportunity to have the best time of your life in a role you can never be fired from. However it’s a commitment a lot of moms can be phobic too. I know a lot of women who feel that a weekend is just enough to be a parent and through the day they most definitely need their day jobs. Read our post on WEEKEND PARENTING HERE and read about the results on the study Working Moms are happier than Stay at home moms here
The days that they do not have help or need to take over due to no help feels like a big chore then yes it is a big chore. To commit yourself to a job that has you on call all the time with no holidays is the toughest. A job with deadlines all now and a boss that needs constant cajoling, pampering and a job that doesn’t pay is tough. Here is one of my most favourite videos on Parenting is a tough job:
http://youtu.be/lmgPODFXAQk
I think what makes the process frustrating for a lot of moms is that they stop growing the minute they are ready to make sacrifices. While it’s great to love, respect and sacrifice the world for your child but like I always say if you are not a happy person you cannot be a happy mom. When you decide to become a full time mom you can take up a hobby that you have given up, think of being an entrepreneur or look at work which gives you flexibility, still take that 1 -2 hours off in a day while your husband or mom looks after your little baby. Ask your husband to either match your previous salary or credit a reasonable amount in your account so you do not feel financially dependent. That is the first handicap a lot of moms feel when they need to make that sacrifice.
If you lose your identity and personality to be a mom you will feel it’s a big sacrifice but if you keep that intact trust me you will enjoy every bit of it.
This article was first published on Momsdiaries.in in my regular column there.
KSP Team
Neha Savla
Janani S Koushik
