Stay-At-Home Mom Versus Working Mom ...

Do you see anything wrong with that statement? I do, the versus. Why is it that stay-at-home moms and working moms are always being compared as if one is better than the other? They are both equally challenging yet it seems to be a catch twenty-two: no matter which you choose, you are scrutinized. The decision to work or stay at home is a very personal one between you and your partner. You need to do what works best for your family and no one has the right to pass judgement about it.

The decision for me to stay at home after our son was born, was not an easy one. There are sacrifices that come with staying home (our household income getting cut almost in half being one) but there are also many benefits. I get to be the one raising our son, I get to spend every day watching him grow and learn. This is time I will never get back and I cherish every second of it.

I have learned very quickly, that the hardest thing about staying at home is not the loss of money. It is not having no time to myself. It is not feeling like I could be utilizing the degrees I worked so hard for, nor is it the amount of work I do every day (because yes, staying at home is actually hard work). It is however, hearing what other people think about our decision for me to stay at home. It is hard to know that my integrity is called into question because my husband and I think it's best for me to be home with our son.

I am not lazy. I am not "taking the easy way out." I am not looking for a free ride and to be taken care of by my husband. We are a family, and we take care of each other in different ways. I am a strong independent woman and I would gladly get a job and help with finances if that is what we thought would be most beneficial. Staying at home not only makes me proud, but it also makes my husband proud to be able to support his family. We are so very lucky.

Staying at home is not for everyone; working mommies, you should be proud too! For many women, it is empowering to be able to get up and go to work everyday - something that was fought for very hard. For many women, it is not easy to leave your child(ren) everyday, go to work, and still have a home to take care of. I am sure, that there are some mothers who wish they could stay home, and there are others who are incredibly proud of the career they have built and would never dream of not being able to do what they love.

No mom (or dad) should be criticized for the decisions they make when deciding between staying at home or working outside of the home.

Keep doing what you love, Mommy and don't let anyone make you feel inferior.