My partner and I understand that our family setup is anything but conventional. We live in a cozy camper, homeschool our son who faces behavioral challenges, and I — the mom — have a job outside our home. In our unique little world, my partner is the incredible stay-at-home dad, and he absolutely excels at it.
I thrive on interaction and communication, fueled by passion and an extroverted nature, while my partner embodies kindness, patience, and a remarkable talent for all things outdoors. Sure, our kids might indulge in more pre-packaged snacks, and I often return to a house that’s a bit chaotic. But I take comfort in knowing that while they munch on mini pretzels, they’re busy biking, climbing trees, and discovering the wonders of nature alongside their dad.
The motivation behind this letter stems from a profound admiration for those who dedicate themselves to raising the next generation, coupled with a genuine desire to express the thoughts of those of us who sneak out with our breakfast and briefcases (or hard hats) before our little ones wake up, working our 40-plus hours to secure the best for our kids — which includes you!
Dear Stay-at-Home Parent:
Your role is no easy feat. It’s a continuous cycle of fulfilling demands, day in and day out. You’re not only responsible for keeping the little ones fed, clean, and healthy but also for nurturing their growth and learning. All of this while facing the lofty standards set by seemingly perfect Pinterest parents who never seem to miss an event or celebration.
This is the real battleground, and you’re the true warrior. We salute you. Those of us who venture out each morning to manage work responsibilities deeply respect your resilience. You should wear your “Stay-at-Home Parent” badge with pride.
However, if we’re being completely honest — and a bit uncomfortable — there are a few things we wish you understood. As a working mom with friends who are dads in similar situations, here are our collective insights.
So, stay-at-home moms and dads, pour yourself another cup of lukewarm coffee from hours ago, slip into your “good” sweatpants, and get comfortable. I hope these reflections resonate.
- We genuinely miss you. While you’re busy wiping noses and organizing tea parties, we’re trying to stay awake during long meetings. Our minds often drift to thoughts of coming home to your cheerful presence and those sticky little hands ready to embrace us. We eagerly await hearing about the amazing things our kids have learned from you throughout the day, whether it’s building a Lego moon rover or exploring the great outdoors.
- We wouldn’t be doing this if we had another choice. Many of us count down the days to the next long weekend or family getaway because we’d much rather be watching our favorite movies or dancing in the kitchen than crunching numbers or managing projects. Even those of us who enjoy our work would rather be spending time with you. A simple text or silly photo during the day keeps us motivated, reminding us why we work so hard – because of you and our kids.
- You look fantastic. Seriously, whoever told you that stay-at-home parents should always be dressed to the nines clearly hasn’t seen how amazing you look in yoga pants or comfy shorts. Who wouldn’t want to be comfortable while chasing a toddler? That Cheerio we pull from your hair is proof our kids were well-fed, and we hope you managed to eat too.
- You are superheroes, and we cheer for you. There were days when I’d hand off our newborn to my partner the instant he walked in the door, feeling overwhelmed and like I’d lost my sense of self. It’s easy to feel less than human when you’re solely focused on parenting. Many of you are up all night with your kids, yet you still manage to pack lunches and keep everything running smoothly. You deserve all the accolades — even Fortune 500 CEOs could learn from your skills.
- We try to understand your world. We know your day has been long, filled with the joys and challenges of parenting. If you haven’t had a chance to speak to an adult, we’re honored that you share your day with us. We want to hear about your triumphs and challenges, whether it’s our son’s scraped knee or our daughter’s latest achievements. We’re here for you; we’re on the same team.
- We need you to understand us too. After you’ve shared your day, we may need a moment to transition from work stress to family time. It’s not that we don’t care about what you’re saying; it’s just a big shift for us. We appreciate your patience as we navigate these changes.
Some days, we all need a do-over. Life can be messy, and we must rely on each other for support. Stay-at-home moms and dads, keep doing what you do best. You are among the strongest people out there. We’re here for you, and we truly need your support too.
For more insights into family planning and parenting, check out our post on the home insemination kit and learn about newborn care at Understanding Newborn Circumcision. If you’re looking for information on fertility treatments, this resource on IVF is excellent.
In summary, the journey of parenting is filled with challenges and triumphs, and both working and stay-at-home parents play vital roles. By supporting one another, we can navigate the complexities of family life together.