Semantics
The following is a letter I wrote to my best friend Kim last night. I’d love to edit it a bit and make it a “real” blog post… pictures, more witicisms (or my attempt at them!)… but John is working from home today and is about to boot me off here. 
Speaking of labels, I find the term “stay-at-home” mom grates on me as I encounter it online (and elsewhere). I don’t like it at all. For one thing, I go nuts when I have to actually “stay home” due to sick kids or self. I like to be out, I like to feel busy and productive. I take all my kids shopping – not because I’m a masachist, but because I enjoy outings with my kids. The simplest errand is always an adventure with them. (Not always stress-free, but definitely an adventure!) We go to Zannie’s, Gramsie’s, friends’, parks, libraries, Treehouse Museum (I’m gearing up to take ‘em there flying solo pretty soon… ho boy…). I even took them to a post-office the other day mostly because I wanted to. Crazy, huh.
Note to self — MUST write up that PO experience. It was absolutely hilarious.
Yes, sometimes we’re running away from clutter I don’t want to deal with — or we’re running away from clean-ness so they won’t mess it up. I dutifully acknowledge that. But even when it’s clean and tidy here, I enjoy getting OUT. They enjoy it, too.
So, yeah, the SAHM label irks me. It’s not a very attractive occupation. Sounds more like a put-down, really. Mm-hm, like being grounded or on time-out.
“Can you have a life?” “No, sorry, I’m a stay-at-home-mom.”
“Can you have a life?” “No, sorry, I’m a stay-at-home-mom.”
I much prefer the description “fulltime mom,” because I am blessed to be able to mother fulltime. Huzzah.
(I mean, Huzzah! And Hooray! It’s wonderful!) That’s what I do, and it’s not always done at. home.
“Can you have a life?” “Yes! My kids are my life, for the most part, and I choose to let it be that way.”
(I mean, Huzzah! And Hooray! It’s wonderful!) That’s what I do, and it’s not always done at. home.
“Can you have a life?” “Yes! My kids are my life, for the most part, and I choose to let it be that way.”
Different feel.
Again, it’s all about semantics.
I prefer the title “Home Manager”
I never really thought about it that way before, but stay-at-home does sound kind of blah. Stay-at-home sounds like you aren’t really up to much – which as we all know is impossible for a mother. There aren’t many moments when moms can just sit around even when at home. It sounds like one of those ‘I’m just..’ statements you make when you aren’t pleased with what you do. I like full-time mom much better! And I’m so glad I get to be one right now
Love this post! I never say I’m a stay-at-home mom (at least I don’t remember ever saying it), I just say I’m a mom. That is what I put on all school papers, etc. when it asks my occupation. That is what I choose to do. But I do love the ‘full-time mom’ idea. Did I mention I love this post?
I agree even though I don’t have kids yet! I also don’t like the term “housewife.” I’m not married to my house! I prefer “homemaker” because I am trying to make a home, a place where my family likes to be and feels loved and safe.
I find it funny that we are so similar, and yet in some ways are polar opposites.
I’m DEFINITELY a stay-at-home mom.
I LOVE to be home, to not have to be anywhere, to hang out reading or working on projects or cleaning (sometimes I like that. Weird, I know.) or gardening. Or even playing video games (sometimes I like that, too).
Don’t get me wrong–there are days I just need to get out. But mostly I just want to stay encapsulated in my safe house with all my kiddies around me.
To each her own—
I find it funny that we are so similar, and yet in some ways are polar opposites.
I’m DEFINITELY a stay-at-home mom.
I LOVE to be home, to not have to be anywhere, to hang out reading or working on projects or cleaning (sometimes I like that. Weird, I know.) or gardening. Or even playing video games (sometimes I like that, too).
Don’t get me wrong–there are days I just need to get out. But mostly I just want to stay encapsulated in my safe house with all my kiddies around me.
To each her own—
It’s great to hear that the term can be used and loved by at least one person. Yet another wonderful reason for there to be Wendy.
I prefer the term ‘Domestic Goddess’. I heard someone call me that almost 4 years ago and it’s stuck with me. It always makes me feel so good!
I definitely agree too! I hate staying home all day with them, we all go a little stir-crazy. Full-time mom is a much better term!
I, recently being under attack from the ex-husband for all my horribleness, was told “you’re a stay-at-home mom why can’t you get it done?”. Lol! I figure you actually have to be a mom in the depths of real mothering to actually get it. So in my humble opinion no title will ever really live up to the work we put in.