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We’ve got another parenting story sent in by a reader to share today!
I’m so happy you guys are taking this idea and running with it, I can’t even tell you.
If you’d like to share something, I’d be honored to read it and maybe even post it here – just send me your submission here (more details here).
Today Laura is writing about what she’s learned during her transition to becoming a SAHM. Her words ring so very true and it’s a familiar tale but her spirit is all her own.
I especially loved the ending – made me think, “Hell ya, we do!”…
Before I became a Stay at Home Mom, I had a very romantic idea of what my days would be. I was naïve enough to think I would have plenty of time to teach my little boy the alphabet, numbers, and animal sounds in English and ya know, if we had a little spare time, in Spanish, as well.
I thought I’d spend his naptime working on my print design business and blogging. I was confident that I’d be saving my family money by preparing nightly dinners and sending leftovers for my husband’s lunch the next day. I wish someone had told me.
It’s nothing like you could ever imagine.
I wish someone had told me that by time nap time rolls around you are exhausted and it’s not a perfect opportunity to work on side projects.
I wish someone had told me that preparing nightly dinners requires forethought because running to the grocery store for a few extra ingredients is not a simple feat with two kids at 4 o’clock.
I wish someone had told me that even if you are “chill” enough to let your child watch endless amounts of television, they eventually tire of it and start acting out by the third round of “Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog”.
I wish someone had told me that you can only visit the open gyms, parks, and pool so many times before they lose their luster.
I wish someone had told me that you need a support group otherwise known as mommy friends. They are the only ones that can appreciate a mid-morning text saying “we’re still in our pajamas, not leaving the house, but feel free to come over and play”.
I wish someone had told me that communication with your husband is the difference between feeling like everyone’s maid and feeling respected in your “profession”.
I wish someone had told me it’s okay to be at your wits end and put your children in their respective bedrooms, put on headphones blaring Taylor Swift, and to give yourself a break. You’re not perfect, you’re human and can only take so many “Hey Mommy?!”’s before you snap.
I wish someone had told me that Facebook moms’ posts are a just one version of the truth and not always as perfect as they seem.
I wish someone had told me that some days are big fat FAILS filled with poop all over the toilet, spit up all over the carpet, and dishes stacked in the sink. That’s why they made wine and Prime Time television.
I wish someone had told me that for every ten “pull your hair out” moments, there’s at least one glimmering moment of pride, love, and pure joy that you cling to with white knuckles to get you through until you hear the garage door open and the delightful yelps of “Daddy!!!!!”
I wish someone had told me that it’s okay if you don’t love staying home with your children. You know what’s best for your family and for your mental health.
What someone did tell me: It is the most thankless job with rewards few and far between, but if you are someone lucky enough to stay home with your children, it’s something you will never regret doing.
So I tell you this: Get your play date plan, ‘emergency burn-out’ plan, ‘it’s only noon and I need a drink already’ plan, ‘I’m feeling unappreciated’ plan, your meal plan, and any other plan you can think of in place.
This job is not for the faint of heart. We don’t wear big girl pants; we wear yoga pants and carry a large cup of caffeine.
Are you ready?
Laura Canfield is a wife, a mom, and currently in a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.
Follow her as she tries to juggle the roles of CEO, Super Mom, Chef Boyar-Babe, Etsy Owner Extraordinaire, and Frugal Fashionista on OohLaLaura.com.
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