It's not as easy as you think.
We don't understand the negative connotation that comes with the concept of stay-at-home Parent. In fact, we believe it's’ a thankless job, without a paycheque, right? You cannot put a price on the quantum of work he or she does all day, every day, 365 days a year! Believe us, you'll be surprised!
Who Is a Stay-at-Home Mom/Dad?
The basic definition of a stay-at-home parent (SAHP) is someone who stays home to raise her children and manage his or her household. They may have one child or several children, and they can range in ages from newborn all the way up to teenagers in high school.
If you're still getting up to speed with today's stay-at-home parent’s, then you'll soon know of all the sacrifices and commitment it takes to be one. For many, it is almost like stepping into unknown territory. Today, we know a lot of people who have put their ambitions and careers on a flash pause to raise their child/children and take complete responsibility for the household.
Nonetheless, such questions still somehow pop up - What do you do all day? Don't you get bored? What do you do when the kids go to school? Don't you get tired of doing the same thing everyday? You can make your free time in doing online shopping for your kids from The Baby Atelier.
Well, if you think a stay-at-home parents’ day looks the same everyday, then you have another thing coming. The SAHP has no two days similar - constantly running errands, cooking, cleaning, picking up and dropping kids to school, extracurricular activities, keeping them entertained at home and most importantly, cheering them on every step of the way. And when the parents are home, he/she is doing everything to keep the house running smoothly, including managing the household's budget, taking care of the house, and planning the family meals. If you were to start clocking in the STAP’s daily working hours, he/she would surely rake in oodles of overtime.
Come to think of it, do you think stay-at-home mothers get enough personal time or even time to go shopping for themselves or their children?
Probably not.
Should You Become a Stay-at-Home Parent?
Just like there's no standard day for a stay-at-home parent, there's no standard answer as to whether you should become a stay-at-home parent or remain in the workforce. There are many great reasons to become a stay-at-home mom but you also have to evaluate your personal situation with your finances and going from two incomes to one is a big factor to consider.
If you're thinking of becoming a SAHP, talk with your spouse. Discuss the pros and cons of you becoming an at-home parent. Ultimately, you have to decide if the day-to-day activities, and, yes, sometimes boredom, that comes with being a stay-at-home parent will be right for you and your family.
Kudos to all stay-at-home parents for all they do!
