Do you ever feel guilty for being a stay-at-home parent? Like maybe working outside the home is more productive than the work you do at home? That working outside the home is a greater contribution to society? When people found out you were going to stay at home instead of leaving for work, did they make comments that you were wasting your talents? I know I have dealt with all of those things from time to time. I have even been told that I was placing my family above the Lord by staying home and that I didn't love Him as much as they did, because they were using their talents outside the home. Those are hard comments to deal with. But have you ever considered that maybe you are contributing more than you think?
I recently read an article that puts the idea out there that being a stay-at-home parent is a luxury -- for your spouse. The author contends that by staying home, you take a great burden off your spouse. Your spouse doesn't have to worry about the kids, the meals, or the housework. They come home to a hot meal and a quiet evening instead of endless housework and errands. The kids' needs are taken care of. You give your spouse a daily gift.
The article was so good, and came from such a different perspective that I had to share it with you.
If you are a stay-at-home spouse, I highly recommend that you read this article. If you also homeschool your kids, you should read it twice. :)
Regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home spouse, both of you work, you are a single parent, you don't have children or your kiddos are grown, bless you for what you do. Never let anyone make you feel inferior for choosing a different path than the one they have chosen.
Have a great day,
Angela
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Awesome words, my friend! I loved her perspective and just like you, never thought of that providing a luxury for my sweetie. Yay!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see the other side of the coin, isn't it, Melanie? Sometimes I have a hard time even finding the coin from under the mountain of laundry, dishes and general hubbub....
ReplyDeleteI stayed home with our daughter until she was 15! I've only recently begun working full time outside the home. It is a gift to your entire family when you stay home. Kids need full time parenting, and if you work outside the home, I just don't know how you can be fully present when they need you. Not to make anybody mad, just saying that is my perspective! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Goodwife. I am just beginning to see what a gift it is -- not to mention that you have more to give when you aren't trying to give it after working outside the home all day. Working inside or outside the home, moms have a big job.
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