Expectations of a Stay-at-home Mom

In just a few days my husband will be going back to work after 10 days of paternity leave. This means my status as a “stay-at-home mom” is officially going to begin. Honestly, I think I will be fine. The transition into motherhood (the whole 10 days I’ve been a mom) has been extremely smooth. Am I abnormal? I keep hearing stories of new moms not taking showers, being exhausted, and letting themselves go. Fortunately, I haven’t reached that point. Will this change when my husband goes back to work?

The expectations of a stay-at-home mom vary greatly depending on who you ask. The dad/other guardian has expectations. The new mom has expectations. Society has expectations. Other moms have expectations. There may be some overlap, but if you ask, each will give you a different answer. So…who is right? How are stay-at-home moms supposed to be, act, and dress like?

In my opinion, a stay-at-home mom has a huge job. It is tougher than you think, although, many will disagree. As for myself, I expect the best I can. Will I be perfect? Of course not. The dishes will not always be done, dinner may be late or take out, the laundry will stay in the dryer longer than it should, and I may not always wear make-up. This is okay with me. Will society or my husband think differently of me? I know for a fact my husband will think nothing less of me. He is just that great.

What really matters is you take care of your children. Play with them, read to them, let them get dirty. Don’t worry about what others think of you. This is a huge challenge, even for me. I like to be fashionable and I know I won’t always have time to put straighten my hair or accessorize my outfit. What I do know is that I will be there for my son. I will love him and make him my priority. I will make the time to make memories with him and my husband.

I am a stay-at-home mom (or soon –to-be) and will be proud of it. If you are a stay-at-home mom, be proud of yourself. And lastly, if you know a stay-at-home mom, be proud of them. This is not a post to disregard working moms because that is a whole other story and other expectations I can’t give personal experience about. All mommies  are amazing and have the best job in the world!