It's all in how you look at it

Richard and I were having a conversation today about things that are going on at the house, with the boys and other things. I said something to the effect of thanks for letting me vent about all this now, don't worry it will all be fine. (I always tell him "don't worry about me... I'll be fine... I always am!") I know it is hard for Richard to deal with the stress of work and then come home and have to help deal with all the stuff here too. I know he wishes he could do more when things are tough, but I don't expect him to be able to solve the problems, and yes he knows that too. I often say to him sorry you get stress times two and he says to me... you are dealing with all this too. I often say... yep it's my job.

Richard and I had decided shortly after getting married that when we had children I would stay home and care for them. This was something that we both wanted and luckily we can do it with Richard's salary and a bit of scrimping. But, there is also the understanding that when Colby is in kindergarten I will go back to work.

I do look at staying home with the boys as my job. I believe that I am their first teacher on so many levels. That is why I consider myself a stay-at-home mom. I focus my energy on my boys and put housework in when I find time. My house is clean, not spotless... not perfect, it's lived in! I want my son's to grow up knowing how to clean up and see that a clean house is important, but I do not focus on cleaning. They see me do laundry, they see me sweep and vacuum and occasionally mop the floors. They help pick up their toys and put the clothes in the laundry.

I guess I look at cleaning the same way I did when I worked... And I guess I look at it that way because in some ways I still work, just at home.
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12 comments:

  1. I love that you say you are the boys first teacher. How very true!!

    A wise lady I worked with once said to me, the housework will always be there, but the kids won't. Don't be a slave to your home. I have always remembered her saying that.

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  2. i struggle with the same things and i have learned to let some things go! although it still drives me nuts when we have EVERY toy and book out! its definately a learning process!(dh too!)

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  3. i think i clean more now because we mess more being home all day!! I don't spend a lot of time cleaning and E is now getting old enough to help me. She always brings me the dustpan. But i am a sahm not a house wife...and my house is presentable at best!

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  4. Props to you! I couldn't agree more!

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  5. I am so clean crazy...it drives my kids crazy...i need to put less emphasis on the house being spotless. Great post.

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  6. Amen! I too look at myself as Ryan's first teacher. I am also blessed to be at home with him. He also ses me do laundry and clean, but I am always out and about with him or on the floor playing too. It's all about balance. Oh, and our living room looks like Toys R Us exploded. It's never picked up...ha!

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  7. I absolutely believe that being a stay at home mommy is work! You are busy and on duty all day long- that is work. Hard work. And I applaud you for doing it so well!!

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  8. I am sure you are doing an awesome job being your boys first teacher. Sometimes I wish I had more of a teaching background so I knew what activities would be good to do with my little guys each day.

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  9. I have a difficult time with the same things on many days. I feel pulled in all different directions and sometimes I just have to stop and realize that I am here for them and I can do everything else later. The clothes will always be there!

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  10. So very well said. I really try to think on those same lines.

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  11. Glad this works out for your family. I know I struggled with not putting it on my hubby when I was off. I do think that when you're home it is your job. But just because a hubby works doesn't mean that when he comes home at night the job as a parent goes away. When I work I still have to come home to it. SO I agree that it is difficult but it sounds like you guys have found a great balance. THat's why your boys are so great!

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