I’ll be the first to admit that I did not fully understand what it took to be a stay-at-home mom. My mom did it for most of my childhood, and so did many others. They made it look so fun and doable (*note I did not say easy). I was really pumped up to be fortunate enough to stay home with Henry. Almost 6 months later, I can tell you that it has been awesome. I love being there when he wakes up, listening to him giggle all day long, being there for every milestone, taking him outside now that the weather is getting better, and so much more. I would not trade it for anything.

However, somedays I find myself wishing I was back in a classroom. I loved my job. I was good at my job. I loved my students, colleagues, and even the parents! It was a fantastic job. It is hard to be “So and So’s mom” all the time and not Maureen or even Mrs. K. It has been easy to lose my old, vibrant self in napping and feeding schedules, nursery rhymes, and housework. I long to talk to other adults, to actually sit down to eat lunch and have a few moments of relaxation, to take a shower where I can condition my hair AND shave my legs, to wear nice clothes without the fear of being spit up on….you get the idea! I suppose “the grass is always greener!” I have to look at it as now I have a different kind of job that is equally as important. Instead of teaching multiplication, I play peek-a-boo. I read to Henry, we sing songs, get out to explore the world, and get in some gym and music time, too!  I find balance by tutoring former students a few times a week, getting a sitter once in a while to go work out or run errands without Henry, and going out to dinner with my girlfriends or husband. Balance is key! Whether you stay at home, work full or part time, being a parent is hard work! Finding the right balance is essential in order to maintain your sanity and happiness!