"What do you do all day?” is a phrase I heard more than once when I was a stay-at-home-mom.
It was usually delivered with a twinge of incredulity, often by someone who wasn’t a parent.
I know that to people who don’t have kids, staying home all day sounds equal parts intriguing and boring.
There are a lot of assumptions about what SAHMs do, so I’m here to set the record straight.
Expectation: Sleep in every day.
Via Giphy
Reality: Wake at 12a.m., 3a.m., 5a.m., 7a.m.
Walt Disney Pictures
Let’s get this out of the way: There’s no sleeping in. Stay-at-home-mom life is not an endless weekend. During the newborn phase, you're up at all hours of the night, often while your spouse sleeps. Moms of toddlers and little kids don’t get a full night’s rest either because there’s always something. (I need a drink of water! I need to use the potty!)
Expectation: You must have so much time to work out!
Vogue
RELATED: How I'm Constanty Missing Out Even Though I'm Always There
Reality: Lifting babies is my cardio.
Via Giphy
I know it seems like "not working" would give you ample time to do things for yourself like hitting the gym on a regular basis or being all about #wellness. But during my tenure as a SAHM, I was shocked by how little time I had to myself. I was always feeding someone, changing someone into a fresh onesie or cleaning up a mess. No gym selfies here.
Expectation: Your home must be spotless.
Buzzfeed
Reality: It's easier to get used to the LEGOs being everywhere.
FOX
Some SAHMs might be domestic goddesses, but I certainly wasn’t. On many days, I just had to throw my hands up and be thankful I’d made it through one more day. Life lesson: There will always be laundry to wash, fold or put away, so lighten up.
Expectation: You must have lots of money.
Via Giphy
Reality: Budgets are life.
Bravo
You might think only those with a lot of money can afford to have a parent at home. But it's not like many of us are sipping mimosas while a nanny tends to our little ones. Many households with a stay-at-home parent are stretching one income and budgeting throughout the month.
Expectation: You’re a modern-day Mary Poppins.
Disney
RELATED: I Need to Change the Way I Talk About My Only Child
Reality: Practically imperfect in every way.
Disney
Strangely, we don’t spend most of our day singing songs or using magic to clean up the house. We might struggle with crafts, art projects, baking and other idealized mom tasks. That doesn’t mean you won’t try, but usually, you’re far from perfect. Group hug: That’s OK.
