Moms need a pay raise. After carefully assessing the breadth of responsibilities we manage as parents, it’s clear that the compensation we deserve far exceeds the paltry figures often cited online.
Yes, professional caregivers provide similar services, but let’s explore the unique roles that moms fulfill daily. As personal chefs, we whip up meals without any formal training. As personal assistants and errand-runners, we juggle countless tasks, often more efficiently than a hired hand could. My local grocery store employees can attest to that!
What about cleaning services? While the only person who willingly endures my cleaning skills is my partner—out of love, I assume—I still take on that role. And let’s not forget the DIY repairs; even if my last encounter with electrical work didn’t end well, I tackle plumbing and maintenance challenges when they arise, fueled by a quick search on the internet.
However, I’m not merely referring to the standard roles we often discuss. There are numerous specialized tasks that require unique expertise, and the emotional toll is immeasurable.
For instance, I’ve been literally and figuratively covered in messes more times than I can count. Home healthcare workers might face similar challenges for around $27 per hour, but I estimate I’ve spent over 100 hours dealing with various bodily functions when my children were very young—now that’s a staggering cost of $2,700 annually! And frankly, I believe such a position should come with a hefty hazard pay and a lifetime supply of hand sanitizer.
Disciplining children is another full-time job in itself. As the enforcer of rules, I’m constantly on the lookout for misbehavior. The sheer complexity of managing multiple children—especially when they’re toddlers—can be overwhelming. If dominatrixes can earn between $150 and $300 an hour for administering discipline, then I should be cashing in too, given the hours I put into maintaining order in my home.
Let’s talk about cleaning up messes. If a professional had to deal with the aftermath of children’s accidents, they might charge at least $500 for such services. Between cleaning up urine and other unfortunate incidents, I should be billing for overtime on top of that.
I’ve caught vomit—yes, literally—in my hands, more than once. NYC taxi drivers impose a $50 surcharge for cleaning up after passengers. If my hands are vehicles of sorts, shouldn’t I be compensated similarly for each catch?
Bath time? It’s a slippery, wiggly circus act that I perform daily. Professionals in similar roles earn around $72,000 annually, which seems appropriate for the number of baths I manage throughout the year.
My vigilance in safeguarding my children from potential hazards equates to the work of a professional babyproofer, whose services are typically billed at $75 per hour. If I calculated this for all the hours I spend scanning my environment for dangers, it would add up to an impressive figure!
Moreover, consider the messes in the car. Rental agencies charge hefty fees for cleaning, so I could easily calculate the potential fees based on the chaos I manage weekly in my vehicle.
Ultimately, the sheer volume of specialized services I provide—ranging from custodial duties to emotional support—translates into a salary that is significantly higher than the crumbs of affection I currently receive. While those moments of joy are priceless, it’s high time mothers receive recognition and compensation for their irreplaceable work.
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In summary, the multifaceted and intricate nature of motherhood demands a reassessment of how we value this role. The lack of financial recognition is an oversight that needs to be addressed.
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