Applause
for Stay-at-home Moms
By
Susie Michelle Cortright
Stay-at-home moms are in need of some nurturing.
We battle a social stereotype as lazy, uninteresting,
and ineffectual. We worry that we are wasting
our education and standing still amid a surge
of feminist progress.
We
have seen a lot of articles applauding mothers who go to
work each day. Rarely do we see an article that celebrates
those who stay-at-home. Here are just a few reminders of
the ways your selflessness and sacrifices make a difference.
Staying home means...
More
time with children and the ability to get more involved
in school and activities, which can become a cornerstone
for your child's social activities and social development.
Being
there for the milestones. You'll be there when they walk,
talk, giggle, and want to know the answers to all kinds
of questions.
More
input. Monica Jones is a stay-at-home mother of two in Vienna,
Virginia. She holds a masters degree in mathematics and
left a career with a consulting company to stay home with
her children. "This is definitely a case of 'if you
want the job done right, you have to do it yourself.'"
Jones says. "Each set of parents has an idea of what
"right" is -- how they want their children to
be raised and the values they want to instill in their children.
No one can raise children the way parents want except the
parents themselves."
Health
benefits. Stay-at-home moms have an easier time breastfeeding
and may be able to breastfeed longer, which means more health
benefits for kids. Also, expect fewer doctor bills, since
children don't come in contact with as many viruses and
bacteria at home.
Improved
quality of life. Staying at home can mean reduced stress
from a slower, less frantic pace and quality family time-a
real benefit for Jones: "We have more family time on
the weekends because we don't have to take care of the house-cleaning,
bill-paying, etcetera, that I did during the week,"
she says.
Improved
communication. "My children and I have a wonderful
relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and love,"
says Silvia Brugge, a stay-at-home mother of three. "I
believe that the everyday situations, struggles, and ups
and downs have created an environment in which our communication
is very good."
More
time for spiritual needs. You can serve the community as
a volunteer. You can pursue hobbies and personal interests
without a heavy weight of guilt. And you might find it easier
to help your parents as they get older, as well.
Susie
Michelle Cortright is the author of More Energy for Moms
and the publisher of Momscape.com - a website devoted to
helping moms enjoy motherhood. Visit today for empowering
articles, inspiring essays, self-care tips, and giveaways
all designed to nourish and invigorate a mother's spirit.
Click here: http://www.momscape.com
