Being a SAHM (Stay-at-Home-Mom. Who thought of these acronyms? They’re both convenient and annoying) is a luxury. After working part-time last year, I really appreciate the freedom of being at home without many outside pressures on my schedule. I’ve also been spoiled by Little Man’s independence (do you think I could write this much if he weren’t cooperative?). However, sometimes I get sidetracked by all of my projects and lose sight of the reason I am staying at home.
Case in point: I was listening to a naaleh.com shiur and working on a music project when Little Man handed me a book. It was one of those little cardboard ones, a book on counting. So cute! He wanted me to read a book to him! Adorable! 
This attitude lasted about three repetitions after which I was done reading the book (how many times can I say “One Dinosaur! Two Flowers!” with interest?), but he was still fully engaged. So I kept reading it. However, I was getting impatient to return to my music project, and to pay attention to the shiur.
Then it hit me.
Taking care of Little Man is my JOB. It is what I am here to do. He is my responsibility. I am in charge of raising him and educating him. The music thing is a HOBBY. Listening to a shiur is a LUXURY.
I read that book as many times as he wanted.
Rivki Silver ~ thoughts & music 
This is very true. Being momma is our job. It can be hard becasue often we feel as if we should be doing “more”. That is a deception. Raising children in a loving, nuturing home is at the top. breathing easier when I finally acquiesced. Peace came readily when I learned to embrace my reality and all it entails.
You really do seem to have come into it nicely, Karen. Your kids are lucky to have you!
Wow! LM is so lucky to have a special mommy like you who realizes that her job is to take care of him at all times. And you are so lucky to be able to be a SAHM and spend so much time with him! Appreciate the fact that you get to spend time with your son while he grows and develops – not all moms get that!
When our kids want our attention and we are in middle of something, we need to remember that they are our priority and they need to grow up in a home where they feel loved and not “pushed aside” because other things are more important. They are our most treasured possessions!
Thanks Devorah! If only I would really realize it all the time! :) I am really fortunate to be able to stay at home – that’s a little easier to remember, since I have a lot of friends who need to work.
I read Goodnight Moon so many times to my kids that I can still recite it now…to my granddaughter. Being at home with our little ones is a gift and there are definitely times when it feels like a bit of a burden and that’s ok too, I think. As long as we remember why we’re doing what we’re doing and it’s a ‘choice.’ I think we never regret having given that time to our children, I know I don’t.
I wish my son would let me read him Goodnight Moon! He always pushes it aside for the Dr. Seuss alphabet book which is his current love. I’m still trying for GM, though. You put it nicely about it being okay to feel the burden of it sometimes, but to have in mind our reasons for staying home. I’m so glad to be able to stay home, and I’m also glad my mother made the choice to stay at home with me and my brother.
A lot of people have this struggle…wanting to grow, but being too occupied with their husband and children to actively work on it. But as long as you remember what your tafkid is right now and you have your priorities straight, then you know deep down that you’re doing the very best and what is expected of you. It’s all worth it!
Yay! It’s hard to make the connection between changing diapers and growth, but it is totally there. Thanks for the encouragement!
I completely agree! Unfortunately, housework often takes over our fun time. Even though I clean the house every night (not joking), it looks awful (and like I’ve been lazy) by 10 am. Sigh. At the same time, I think I’ll remember this post when I’m not feeling the mothering mood. : )
Ugh, housework! It’s the never-ending saga, that’s for sure. One thing that gives me encouragement about the perpetual mess is that it would be so much worse if I *didn’t* keep up with it on a regular basis!
Hi there,
Been reading through your whole blog and I love it! I have 3 under 5 and sometimes I get so overwhelmed but it is as you say, this is my job and I want to do it joyfully. :)
I just heard a great teaching and in it this mother of 7 told us, ” you may not feel qualified to do this, but you were chosen for this very thing. The Lord will be with you. Moses also did not feel qualified. ” It helped my perspective so much. It’s all perspective, lol.
I love that! Thank you!