Top 10 Things I Miss About Being a Stay at Home Mom
I recently got a job. I know, you roll your eyes because you too, work full-time. Well I haven't worked full-time since before my children were born. That would be sixteen years to be specific. Since then, I've been at home, a volunteer in the classroom, running to the doctor's office, grocery story, Tae Kwon Do, softball, basketball. You get the picture.
The job is contractual and I'm done October 1. I look very forward to it. So in honor of Mother's Day I thought I'd share a few thoughts about why I miss being a stay-at-home mom and remember they're in no particular order.
- My kids. Actually what I really miss is taking them places. No, I hate driving around for hours at a time. But at least while we're in the car I have a chance to talk to them. They might not want to talk to me but at least they see and hear me.
- Sleeping in. It used to be 8:30 in the morning. Now sleeping in is roughly 5:30am. That is if I don't have to wash my hair in the morning.
- Procrastinating. Yeah there's something in the idea that there’s always time tomorrow. You might not get as much done but eventually you will.
- Napping. That's self explanatory, because really who doesn’t like a good nap in the middle of the day?
- I miss stuff for my kids. I don't like that. I've missed doctor’s appointments and track meets. I can't always take off and be there, that's a little disconcerting.
- Working on my book for lengthy periods of time. Now I have only a few hours and it might take all that time to finally get into the groove. Now I have to accept a sentence as being good enough.
- Getting all my errands done when no one is around. It’s awfully crowded after work. I much prefer daytime shopping.
- Re-runs of Gilmore Girls. Since they're on at 10 am I'm just not around to watch them. For some reason that show just make me happy.
- Not feeling so tired all the time. It’s exhausting getting up early and I can’t quite figure out how to make it to bed before 10:30 pm.
- Lunching with the ladies. Okay I really don’t lunch with the ladies but I could if I wanted to when I was at home. It’s simply knowing that makes it worthwhile.
I've gotta admit though, the bonus to working outside the house is continuity, and having a place to go. It's also about talking to real adults, gaining experience and possibly bringing something to my writing. Though I'm not writing as much as I'd like, I find myself far more productive in other ways and for that, I guess the experience is worth it. Not to mention at the end of the day, there's always a pay check to enjoy.
It’s a change, and in the end I’m sure I’ll be used to it, just as the contract writing gig winds it’s way down and is done. Happy Mother's Day!