Recently, I was in one of those awkward getting-to-know-you situations where someone asked me the question, "So, what do you do?" I didn't see it coming. Last I checked, I had stay-at-home-mom written ALL over me. Definite awkward pause as I bumbled over my thoughts. The only thing I could think is, how do I even begin to explain what it is that I do? So, of course, I resorted to, "Oh, I'm just a mom." I hate that. Ugh. Why, oh why did I let that fling out of my mouth?!? I'm not just a mom.
For starters, being a mother is the purpose of my life. These little people bring me more joy than I ever imagined possible. To put it simply: I adore being a mom. Plus, I'm pretty good at it (if you ask me). My kids get plenty of hugs, kisses and encouragement. They get a bath every day, healthy meals, plenty of exercise and more play dates and fun outings than I should admit. I teach them manners, kindness, and all sorts of academic things, too.
In addition to my main job as "just" a mom, I also take on freelance editing jobs, design and run my own stationery business, take on numerous wedding projects, write a monthly how-to article, maintain my blog (somewhat) regularly, design retail window displays, teach jewelry-making classes, and occasionally hire out as an event planner/caterer. Oh, and if your kid wants to learn to tap dance, I could teach that, too. How, exactly, am I supposed to categorize all of that? And is it even worth trying to explain to people?
Now that you've endured the rundown of my resumé, my main question for all of you out there who are "just a mom" is:
How do you respond when people ask you what you do?
I definitely need a better response.
And a note to all of you just moms: You are beautiful. You are smart. You are funny. Nobody on earth works harder than you. Even though much of your work goes unnoticed, you are more important than you give yourselves credit for. Keep up the great work. And while you're at it, do something nice for yourself today. You know you deserve it.
7 comments:
While I can't, at this moment, brilliantly exclaim the perfect answer to that question ( as an aside, I know it is a common 'conversation starter', but why do we resort to defining a person to their profession?), I must thank you for summing up all that 'just moms' do each day.
Every 'just mom' has the one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world. When kids grow into successful, self-confident and independent adults, they will not define their parents by their professions, but as the supportive, devoted parents who raised them to be who they are.
Thanks for the reminder. :)
This post was wonderful Christina! Thank you!
I don't have a perfect answer. But what I've started saying is "I stay home with my boys," and then before they have time to react I say, "I love it!" I feel that if I give them time to react I often get a sympathy look or "oh she's just a mom" look.
Christina, you made me day. Your brilliant and I think you are one of very best Moms I know.
Thank you. This is such a wonderful post to read today. I've let that phrase slip out before too and I just wanted to kick myself. It's just so hard to answer this question, honestly/completely/comprehensively w/o coming across odd. I definitely need a better answer.
Stopping by from my latest visit to Katherine Marie. I knew if she liked you, I would love you. I was right. She never ceases to amaze me, looking forward to reading more of your site.
Just a Mom,
Stacy
LOL I know the answer you are my hero!! you are doing all that I would love to be doing except for maybe teaching tap and dressing windows :)
Next time you say that You are a mom and you run your own business-full stop. Mind you this will open up the door for the question of 'Oh what kind of business?'and then you can answer the question fully.
I am never just a mom. Being a Mom is way bigger than that. hugs to you
Christina, I just came over to your blog from Katherine Marie's. I am very new to this stay-at-home mama business. My son is nearly three months old. I am a novice at answering this question and realizing that I am finally, really, truly getting to do this of which I've dreamed. It is an interesting transition and I appreciate all that you wrote in this post so much. Thank you for that last note especially! What a blessing it is to "stick together" with the other moms. :) Have a wonderful weekend! Kelly
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