When my little one, whom I now fondly refer to as Peanut, was around six months old, I faced a challenging decision. My salary barely covered childcare costs, I longed for the time with my baby, and I was unhappy both at work and at home. Although I appreciated my job, the balance just didn’t seem worth it anymore. I handed in my resignation and started searching for a new opportunity.
Switching from a corporate career to a Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM) role was a significant change. I imagined leisurely days filled with soap operas and snacking on Cheez-Its while Peanut happily bounced in his activity center. I even purchased a trilogy of novels to enjoy during my newfound free time. Surely, keeping the house tidy and feeding my child would fill my days—right?
Initially, I thought all SAHMs spent their time relaxing and doing nothing. Fast forward two years, and I can confirm that the notion of “doing nothing” is far from the reality of parenting at home.
Teething Troubles
Take teething, for example. During that phase, Peanut would nap sporadically every couple of hours, often while drooling and crying. I felt heartbroken watching him struggle with sleep. For a full day, I found myself rocking him to sleep, a tiring cycle of rocking and soothing that left me feeling like a zombie.
The Adventurous Toddler Stage
Then came the adventurous toddler stage. Each corner of our home seemed like a potential hazard. Peanut was determined to walk early, and every sharp edge became a target for his explorations. I spent countless hours baby-proofing every inch of our space, hovering over him to prevent any mishaps.
The Infamous Terrible Twos
Ah, the infamous terrible twos! It was as if a switch flipped in Peanut’s brain after his birthday. The sweet child who once played quietly with toys now had a knack for scaling furniture and leaping off of it. In mere seconds, he could turn a calm moment into a chaotic one. So, I made it my mission to monitor him closely, ensuring he didn’t find new ways to get into trouble.
Of course, there are moments when we snuggle up together, and there are entire hours when Peanut isn’t in superhero mode. During those magical times, I can catch up on laundry or even indulge in a bit of writing. And then there’s the blissful nap time, where I might sip coffee in peace or even sneak in a quick nap myself.
However, that novel trilogy I bought? It remains untouched on the shelf. And those Cheez-Its? I rarely get to enjoy them solo, as Peanut is quick to demand his share. The closest thing I’ve encountered to a soap opera is a particularly dramatic episode of a children’s show. And trust me, keeping a toddler entertained in a bouncer is no easy feat.
I’m not complaining; this journey was my choice and the right one for my family. To outsiders, my day may seem like a series of unproductive moments, but in my world—filled with coffee, crumbs, and delightful chaos—it’s everything.
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In summary, the life of a Stay-at-Home Mom is filled with unexpected challenges, joys, and a lot of hard work. What may appear as “nothing” is, in fact, a tapestry of moments that define my days.