My Career as a Mother and Homemaker

I've been reflecting a lot lately on myself, and it seems I'm back to comparing myself to others. That's a hard habit to break isn't it?

Rhett: "Stop it!!!" *pushes camera away*

Everywhere I look, there's a woman who is not only an amazing stay-at-home mom, but a successful stay-at-home businesswoman. Be it direct sales, blogging, Etsy, etc. I begin pressuring myself, thinking that I'm not doing enough as just a mom, and I need to make money too.

That's the world we live in. There are so many amazing, powerful, talented, successful women out there. I go on to think that if I'm going to be home with the kids, I should be running my own home business to help my husband pay the bills. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a home business and help provide for my family. But should is a very bad word.

So glad I captured this precious moment ♥

There is nothing wrong with just being a stay-at-home mom, and for a little while I lost sight of how important my role as a mother and homemaker really is.

In all events, a mother can exert an influence unequaled by any other person in any other relationship. By the power of her example and teaching, her sons learn to respect womanhood and to incorporate discipline and high moral standards in their own lives. Her daughters learn to cultivate their own virtue and to stand up for what is right, again and again, however unpopular. A mother’s love and high expectations lead her children to act responsibly without excuses, to be serious about education and personal development, and to make ongoing contributions to the well-being of all around them. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once asked: 

“When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, The Moral Force of Women

I was feeling depressed and unfulfilled one night when I stumbled upon the excerpt above. A stay-at-home mom is so much more than just a babysitter. A mother is a teacher, nurturer, and friend. A typical day at home with my boys consists of playing video games together, homeschool lessons, breaking up fights, diffusing tantrums, errands, and occasionally (ok, rarely) chores. I love my boys fiercely, and even though they make me crazy a lot of the time, I soak up every precious moment I get to spend with them. I love being here to watch them learn and grow. I love the togetherness we have daily.

Feel free to download and print this image. Personal use only.

I'm far from being the perfect wife and homemaker, but I hope that I never forget the importance of my role again. Yes, it would be a dream come true to have a home business, but I shouldn't shame myself for being "just a mom." I should enjoy the time I get with my boys while they're young. If someday the stars align and a business idea takes off, that would be great! But until then, I'll be hard at work being the best mom I can be, and creating the best home that I can for my family.