Encouragement For The SAHM
Listening to the positive comments made by a man whose wife had been a stay-at-home mom for over 26 years, I stood riveted by the radio. The speaker had shared how he often refuted those who assured him his family would have benefitted more financially if his wife had worked outside the home. The speaker went on to share that he was grateful for the 26 years of home harmony. He felt his life had been greatly enhanced by a well run home. He even suggested that having his wife at home was one of the reasons for his success.
As a SAHM, I really appreciate this perspective and am most grateful for the privilege of making home my base of operations. Although having had opportunity to be a help to my husband when he was self-employed and to work with him now from time to time at his place of employment, I am in essence a SAHM. At this season of life where two of my children are married and one working full time, I wanted to share some words of encouragement to those who might also wear this title.
Please understand I do not seek to debate the reasons to be a stay-at-home mom. This decision is best left to a husband and wife. My desire is to provide some encouragement to those in the trenches who might need some fuel to flame their fire!
Looking back through the twenty-seven years I have been home with my children, I have not one regret for making this decision. I honestly do not think any career or opportunity would have brought me more satisfaction or have been more of a blessing to my family.
Keep in mind my desire is not to sugar coat the realities. In today's economy just seeking to pay the mortgage on time, keep utilities on and have healthy food on the table keeps a mother occupied. I've known some challenging financial times. There have been many times when I would have liked to provide more "stuff" for my children. The feathering of my nest is important to me and certainly there have been and still are items that I think might enhance our home atmosphere. Even now our retirement plan is for husband to work as long as he is physically able. No retirement glories are on our future life pages and I still work hard at being frugal.
It is true that if I had worked these past 27 years at my profession, we would have a great pension and nicer things. Yet I'll take the memories of being home with my little ones and being available when needed as my children grew older. Even now at this new stage of life, my priority after Husband are my children and my grandbabies, one here and one in the womb. Does this make me a SAHG? (Stay-at-home grandmother)
Please note I do understand there are extenuating circumstances which may make it difficult for a mother to be at home with her children. I do know, however, that there are many of you seeking to live out the frugal life which may feel challenging right now. I just want to say that I can think of no better reason to keep living the frugal life if it gives you the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom!
How many SAHMS would agree?
related posts:
- Frugal Encouragement If you're trying to live a frugal lifestyle, it helps...
- Be A Frugal World Changer Pausing in my ironing, I smile and listen a bit...
- Frugality and Time: A Short Series Frugality gets a bad rap when it comes to how...
- SAHM Jobs Although I love staying at home with my kids, I...
- Is More Money The Answer? Listening to the teacher sharing about the need for more...
3 Responses to “Encouragement For The SAHM”
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Soooo glad you posted this, as this really spoke to me personally! I have two children, the youngest of whom is in Kindergarten this year and has special needs. My husband and I made this decision before I was even pregnant with our first child. Even on really tough days, it is worth everything to me to be home for my boys. I keep things running smoothly at home, I am there for my kids whenever they need me, we embrace frugality the best that we can, and it is WORTH it. It is truly a blessing. I know it is not for everyone, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am already using many of the skills that I trained for in college!
Thank you for encouraging all of us, no matter what season us moms may find ourselves in.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Y’know, if I had heard that broadcast, it would have hit me like the verse about “well done good and faithful servant.”
That testimony would be my goal for my husband to speak one day just like it would be my honor to have the Lord say that to me the day I meet Him.
January 3rd, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I would love to be a SAHM, but due to my husband being physically disabled, I really have to work. So, I found the next best thing. I’m a college prof, and typically work 9-1:30, M-F. Prior to this, I worked in a factory (and despised it). Now, I actually make more money working less hours. I’m here when my son leaves for school, and when he gets home. I have summers off, and 3 weeks at Christmas, both of which coincide with son’s school vacations.
Leave a Comment