Stay-At-Home-Mum (SAHM)

I used to think that I want to be a SAHM. I want to spend time with my children as much as possible and be part of their growing process. I thought I could handle everything only to realise that I might not be able to do it. It's really not as easy as one thinks it is. 

First, there are lots of housework to be done and nobody will be there to help unless there's a maid. You will be lucky if the hubby volunteers to do some housework consistently. The key is consistency.

Second, you need to plan your time to pump, feed, change diapers, bathe the child and engage your child in activities. This takes a lot of effort to ensure that pumping time doesn't coincide with the rest. If not, your breasts are bursting or leaking but you have to bear with the pain and do what the wailing child needs. 

Requires consistency too. 

Third, you need to be strong emotionally and physically. You will feel like a single mum most of the time because no one else is more sensitive to the child than you. No one else understands how you feel to be a SAHM. You have to be strong to carry the child whenever he/she needs to be carried. Even if it means carrying the child and peeing at the same time. You must be independent. Never assume anyone will be there to help. If help is rendered, praise God, it's a blessing. If not, take heart and do what you need to do. 

Fourth, never expect any praises from others and again, be strong if there are criticisms. The fact that you are not working in the outside world, people assume that you must be slacking at home with the child. They think that SAHM just eat, sleep and play with the child. What an easy job, right? Wrong! Child's eating time is not your eating time. You eat after your child is all settled. Sometimes you gobble down your food because by the time you finish all the cleaning up, it's time that your child wakes up from his/her nap. So where is your nap time??!! There won't be much time to sleep until your child is much older. Not to mention bath time. 

Fifth, as much as we can plan our time, your child might not stick to your schedule. You still have to be flexible. There will still be frustration especially when your schedule is disrupted. 

After all these are said, it's still a joy to be home with the child. But I'm not cut out to be a SAHM. I look forward to having breakfast in school, but I know I will be even more tired when I start work.

God bless my soul...