I’m Not Cut Out to be a Stay at Home Mom

frustrating
Spending time with Grandma

Today has been one of those days. The baby, who has Colic, has been extra fussy and high maintenance. My two-year-old daughter, who is having a hard time adjusting to not being the baby anymore, is in a really whiny mood. My four-year-old son is the only one who’s been able to do things for himself today but not without asking five hundred million questions! These things, combined with all other morning chores, made it nearly impossible for me to get myself and all three kids ready and out the door for an appointment. Once at the appointment, the doctor was running late and didn’t call us back for an hour! So for what felt like MUCH longer than that, everyone in the waiting room got to watch me try (and probably fail) to keep my cool and my happy face on while a baby cried, a toddler whined and a 4 year old never stopped talking!

After the appointment and after lunch (hangry kids are a real thing at my house), we had our usual post-lunch quiet time (because 2 and 4 year olds melt down at the mention of the word nap), in which nobody fell asleep or stayed quiet for that matter. Then the baby started screaming for his milk at the exact time my daughter, who is potty training, had a big accident.  Of course there are no more pull-ups or clean undies for her in the house. Someone forgot to do the laundry (it was me!) The afternoon followed suit, and I found myself watching the clock and counting down until my husband would walk in the door to help a poor, tired mommy out.

I’m sure all the moms out there can empathize with me and have struggled with a version of a frustrating day like this. This kind of day is to be expected, especially with three young kids to care for.  But if I’m honest, days like this are really few and far between.

Why? Because I’m a mom who works full time outside of the home.

Right now, I’m in the middle of maternity leave navigating through the days with all three kids alongside me. I love my children with all my heart but I’m not cut out for being a stay-at-home-mom and being on maternity leave only reinforces that for me. I’m enjoying this while I can, even on the tough days.  But I know that the day I’m slated to return to work is fast approaching.

I have an amazing village of people that I can call on to help me. As I sit here reflecting on my day, I think about how fortunate I am to have so many of my family and friends living nearby. My kids are extremely close to all their grandparents as well as some of their aunts, uncles & cousins. They were even able to know most of their great grandparents for a short time.

On days when everything is going wrong at the same time, I usually have someone I can call to give me a break for a few minutes or just come over to help. Once I go back to work, it will be members of this village who care for my kids during the day. It will be my village who drops off and picks up my oldest son from school and my daughter from MDO. It will be my village who teaches my kiddos while they’re at school or church. It will be my village that cares for my colicky baby in my absence. It will be my village who helps out when my husband and I need to get away for some rare time together with no kids. It will be my village who celebrates alongside me when my kids reach milestones. It will be my village that helps me make it through these precious years.

Untitled design-9

I pray that every mommy out there, whether you stay at home or work outside of the home, has a village…a support system to help and celebrate with along the way.

Previous articleMind Your Manners: 7 Manners to Teach Your Kids
Next articleIt’s Okay If Your Tribe Is Small
Krista Carpenter
My husband Jason and I met at church after we had already graduated from college and started on our own career paths. We were married in 2009 and settled down in Edmond, OK. I am mommy to our sons Gavin & Gage and daughter Greta They are crazy kids that keep me on my toes all the time! By day, I am an Oil & Gas accountant. By night, I’m a self-proclaimed DIY-er and am constantly changing things at my house. My husband and kids are good sports about this and usually roll with it when I up and change something without warning. I am excited to share some projects with you as well as share ideas and inspiration.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Love this, Krista! I can relate to having a village that is far beyond what I deserve but oh so appreciated (and needed) more than I could ever describe. (I know, I just have one) And I so am with you on not being cut out for being a stay at home mom. Again, I love this, Krista! I just wish we lived closer to be a more tangible part of each other’s village. Love you girl!

  2. Love you too! I so wish we lived closer together or could visit more often. Our kids would be great friends!! Yes, my village of people is far more than I deserve and I wouldn’t able to be a working mom without them.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here