When I decided to become a stay-at-home parent, the thought of returning to work felt like it was light-years away. However, time has flown by, and that moment is now just around the corner. In a few months, all of my children will be off to school full-time, marking the beginning of a new phase for our family. Should I polish up my resume? Check if my work clothes still fit? Or should I continue embracing my role as a stay-at-home parent for a little while longer? After all, I don’t have to rush back into the workforce, right? We’ve managed so far, so what’s another couple of years?
My spouse is self-employed, and his work schedule is the opposite of a typical 9-to-5. His day starts at dawn and stretches late into the night. It’s exhausting to witness, yet he thrives on it. His drive comes from a desire to succeed and support our family. To facilitate this, he relies on me to manage our four kids and our energetic dog. I handle the morning routines, school drop-offs, pick-ups, sick days, doctor visits, and all the other details that he can’t fit into his day. And I do this with joy. I want to continue in this capacity, as it’s what our family needs right now.
All of my children are still in elementary school and attend the same institution. I actively volunteer for activities like playground duty and the book fair. My eldest will be in 8th grade next year, just a heartbeat away from high school. I want to cherish those moments when I catch him laughing with his friends or when he casually acknowledges me with a “Hi Mom,” trying not to draw too much attention. Those days are fleeting, and soon he’ll be off on his own.
My youngest is about to enter kindergarten, and I don’t want to miss out on witnessing her milestones. I look forward to the moments when she proudly exclaims, “That’s my mom!” with an enthusiastic wave. Then there are my middle two boys, who have their ups and downs with me. But I seize every opportunity to greet them, and more often than not, I get a smile in return. I know this window into their lives is only open for a short while, and I’m not ready to close it just yet.
Over the years at home, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’m not your typical career-oriented individual. I don’t miss striving to climb the corporate ladder. I find fulfillment managing our household. Running a Fortune 500 company is not my ambition; there are many others far more suited for that role. It’s not that I can’t do it—I’m capable and diligent—but I believe my strengths are best utilized at home, and that’s perfectly fine.
So, what will I do with my time once all the kids are in school? There will be plenty to keep me busy. I’ll still handle chores like laundry and house cleaning, but for the first time in years, I will have the chance to focus on myself. I plan to sit down at my computer and finally put pen to paper for that book I’ve always wanted to write. I also do freelance work that allows for flexibility, enabling me to pursue my passions while still being available for my kids, especially when they are unwell. I will make time to visit my mom, who, as painful as it is to acknowledge, won’t always be here, and I want to cherish every moment with her. I’ll continue my volunteer work and hopefully expand my efforts. I’m confident I will find fulfillment in this new routine.
Please don’t make me feel guilty for this choice. I recognize that it’s a privilege to be at home, but that’s because my husband works tirelessly to make it possible. He prefers I stay at home to avoid burning out while juggling everything. We’re not living extravagantly; we’re not wealthy, but we thrive on a single income.
My family will only be young once, and I have limited time to be present in their lives. Before I know it, I’ll be handing over car keys and things will shift dramatically. But for now, I am the driver, chef, and chief operating officer of our somewhat chaotic household, and I intend to make the most of it.
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In summary, I’ve chosen to remain a stay-at-home parent as my youngest heads to school full-time. This decision allows me to embrace these fleeting moments with my children while also pursuing personal interests and volunteer work. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, thanks to my spouse’s hard work. My focus will be on nurturing my family during this precious time.
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