We're all Moms

Single moms, stay-at-home moms, working moms...we're all moms.  Every few months, one of the morning programs will do a segment on the battle between working, single and stay-at-home moms.  It drives me crazy.  Single moms are doing it all on their own, all of the time.  They deserve a ton of credit for having the responsibility of a child, a job, and a home on their shoulders.  Working moms have to worry about reliable childcare, among many other things.  Stay-at-home moms worry about being isolated from the real world.  Each situation has its rewards and challenges. I will never understand moms who bully other moms.

I've had a few experiences where other moms have made me feel really bad for being able to stay at home. At a routine dentist appointment, the hygienist (a mother of school-age children) asked me when I'd like to schedule my next cleaning.  I told her the 5:10 time slot that I was at works well any day of the week.  Her response, in a questionable tone, was that I should leave those appointments for people who actually work.  Was I just bullied??? I am super sensitive, so I immediately felt terrible for taking up time they'd rather give to someone else.  It's not the end of the world to try and find someone to watch the girls, but should I have to?  Part of me totally understands why she would think that a daytime appointment would be fine and another part of me feels like she was trying to negate my responsibilities. 

Another time I felt uncomfortable was when someone asked me if I was one of those "spoiled moms" because I stay home with the girls.  What is that supposed to mean?  Let's be clear, it is a luxury to be able to stay at home, but it is not always luxurious. Cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, ironing, scheduling, and running errands all while caring for infants probably sounds horrible to some people. I love caring for my family, but cleaning toilets isn't exactly my idea of a good time.  Spoiled has such a negative connotation.  I think spoiled stay-at-home moms have nannies, housekeepers, and chefs.  Who says something like that to someone they just met, anyway?

I know I shouldn't be affected by passive aggressive comments, but I can't help being disheartened by them.

 

Happy because I actually got to shower...something all moms can relate to.