Wife & Mother

I think the key to parenting is accepting the responsibility. If you can accept all the difficulties that come with the job, along with the sacrifices it takes to be a good parent, then it makes your job a hell of a lot easier - even on the toughest days.

For me, parenting became easiest when I fully accepted all responsibilities that come along with being a stay at home mom. Instead of scowling at my husband because he didn't help with the dishes or the laundry, I changed my train of thought entirely - I started to view my motherhood as my job; my equal to Eric going to work full time. He puts a roof over our head, and I raise the child(ren) and keep the house clean. This mind set allows me to acknowledge that we both need breaks during the day, and I can feel less resentful that he leaves dishes in the sink or lays on the couch while I give Lyla her bath.  I have to think of our jobs as equal, instead of a competition of who works harder, who is more tired, who does more...etc. Eric works hard 8 hours a day at work, and is up hours before his job starts to get in a work out - just so he can get home earlier to be with his family and help me out (I love him for this!). And I am on the clock 24-7. I used to feel resentful about this, saying things like "your job has a start time and an end time. I'm always working as a mother" - but what does that mind set solve? Especially when, although I'm never off the clock, my hours come with ease; I love watching my little girl grow & play. I get a break during the day when she naps, and she's such an easy-going kid that I can get in a work out with her in the stroller and tend to all my errands with her in tow. I used to think about how much easier it would be to do all these things without her, but again, what does thinking that solve? I do have her and she's my responsibility. Why should I take a back seat all day and leave her with my hard working husband once he's home just so I can do things for myself, alone?

Mind set and acceptance is key. Some people may read this and think "no way do I want the life of a wife and mother", but I do. It's what I signed up for and what I love to do. Sure, I get frustrated and have my days just like anyone else, but viewing things like raising my child(ren) and housework as a legitimate job really helps me get through the day and be a better wife and mother. I love knowing that I can stay home with my daughter and raise her the way I see fit. I love knowing that I'm making my husbands day a bit easier by having his clothes washed and folded, dishes put away, and dinner preparing in the fridge. I also love knowing that because I feel this way, that it reflects onto my family. Eric is always willing to help out more when I'm not a nag about things, after all.

I feel so lucky for the marriage that I have, and the beautiful family we are growing. I am lucky to be this happy, doing things that I love. I wouldn't trade being a wife and mother for the world - any sacrifice made for these two things is well worth it. I wish more people could accept their full responsibilities, let go of wishing things were different, and just make the best life for themselves. This feeling is truly wonderful.