As a stay-at-home mum, I find myself constantly downplaying my role, as if it’s not a “real job.” But the truth is, being a stay-at-home mum is the most mentally and emotionally full-on job I’ve ever had. I don’t get a coffee break after two hours, and the jug boils three times before I even remember to make a cup of coffee. And more often than not, I end up drinking it cold anyway. I’m on duty 24/7, and I don’t get paid time off or four weeks of holidays each year. I’m responsible for everything from cooking meals and doing laundry to managing my children’s schedules, driving them to and from classes and helping them with their homework. It’s a never-ending job that requires patience, creativity, and the ability to multitask.

I must admit that I’m not the greatest stay-at-home mum of all time. I don’t always have my shit together and I’m often loosing the plot. I forget what I’m doing, feel like I’m being pulled in a million directions and sometimes feel depressed or anxious like I’m trapped buried under a pile of laundry!

Despite all this, I still find myself saying things like, “I’m just a stay-at-home mum.” Maybe it’s because society doesn’t always value the work that stay-at-home mums do, or maybe it’s because I feel guilty for not contributing financially to my family’s income like i used to. But I know that being a stay-at-home mum is an important and valuable role, and I shouldn’t downplay it.

I have to be a teacher, a nurse, a chef, a counselor, a personal assistant, a mediator and a friend all at the same time. It’s not an easy job, but it’s a job that I’m proud to do. I’m proud of the hard work and dedication that I put into raising my children and keeping our household running smoothly and I love being able to be home for my kids after school.

I know my Husband sees the value in having me at home to manage the kids and the household and I know the kids love having me be there for them too. Being a working Mum with 3 kids just isn’t a realistic option for us ( although I do applaud those that can make it work – it’s a juggling act ) With the price of childcare and the amount of school holidays, teacher only days and sick days I would need to arrange, there is literally no point in me trying to hold down a full time job.

So the next time someone asks me what I do for a living, I’m going to proudly say, “I’m a stay-at-home mum.” It’s a job that requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it’s a job that I love and that I know is important.

Are you a stay-at-home mum too? Do you say “just” a stay-at home mum like me ?

Or are you a super working mum? How do you cope with the juggling act ?

Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you

Until next time

Rachel Rogers