Sometimes I feel like I don’t have anything in common with the other half – stay at home moms (SAHM). I feel like I constantly have to defend my decision to work and am made to feel bad about all of the things I don’t get to do.

Well, enough of that! No more mom-guilt!  At the end of the day I’m also a great mom and what is wonderful for stay at home moms just doesn’t work for me!

Over the years I’ve come to accept my fate in life as a working mom, but at first the comments I would hear would really get on my nerves!  So, just for fun, here are a few comments I’ve gotten over the years that no longer make me feel bad!

Topic #1:  Being Home for the Kids

SAHM:  I’m always home for my kids when they come home from school

Me:  That doesn’t work for me. I have bills to pay and cannot always be home. I ensure that my kids are well taken care of in my absence and am there for them when they truly need me.

Topic #2:  Family Dinner

SAHM:  We always have dinner together as a family

Me:  That doesn’t work for me. We’re all on different schedules and I’d rather my kids eat a hearty meal before I get home than fill up on snacks while waiting for me. We eat together on the weekends and since I grew up the same way, I don’t think there’s a problem with this. I make sure to spend quality time with my kids each night… it just doesn’t involve food.

Read more: my evening routine

Topic # 3:  Library

SAHM:  I always take my kids to the library on Erev Shabbos

Me:  That doesn’t work for me. I work normal hours on Friday. I don’t get out early to prepare for shabbos and drive my kids around town. Although our approach may be unconventional, we do make time for the library.

Read more: How we make time for the library
Read more: Religious at Work – Shabbos

Topic #4:  Camp

SAHM:  I don’t want to send my kid to that camp… the hours are too long

Me:  That doesn’t work for me. I need my kids to be occupied while I’m at work, camp is fun and they love it. They gain social skills and experience things we may not do as a family. Long hours at camp definitely work for us.

Read more:  Missing Firsts – The First Day of Camp

Topic #5:  Challlah

SAHM:  We never buy challah! Homemade is so much better!

Me:  That doesn’t work for me. I don’t particularly like baking and cooking. I’ve done it in the past, but nowadays, when choosing what to spend my time cooking it’s mostly lunches and kugels because I get the most bang for my buck. They are healthier and cheaper for us because we eat more of that than we eat challah.

Read more: freezer cooking

We’re still good parents!

Over time I have realized one thing:  stay at home moms aren’t perfect either.  They let their kids eat junk food, watch the iPad and go to bed late. Just like me. So there ya have it… working or not, we’re all imperfect together.

Until next time,
Shaindy