Lessons from a Stay-at-Home Mom

I've been staying at home since my daughter went to nursery. That's after 5 years of being a career woman. At first, I didn't know how to survive it. I've been used to working. I started working when I was in college to support my studies. I'm used to shopping, dining out with friends, watching good movies regularly spending from my own pocket.

But what made me quit my job? The nature of my job would require me to spend the whole week meeting with clients. Yes, even on Sundays, which is a crucial day for us in sales! It was easy at first because we have a housemaid and my mother-in-law looked after the children. But when my nephew (whom we cared for as our very own son), age 8, entered second grade and my eldest daughter who was 4, started nursery, a lot has to be sacrificed. Not to mention the youngest who then was 1 year and 3 months.

How did I come up with the decision? My husband and I talked about it. After weighing the pros and cons, we prayed for it and asked God to give us wisdom in our decision making. It is important that both husband and wife agree on the decision, because if not, one may blame the other when things don't seem to be good.

The first few months were filled with mixed emotions. Excitement since I'd been longing to spend time with the kids. Anxiety, because I didn't know where to start. And fear for the fact that my husband will be the only person bringing in the money. In addition, our housemaid left to have her own family. I even remember a time when I would lock myself in the comfort room and cry because I was overwhelmed with the house chores! I would ask God to give me strength to carry my responsibilities at home and patience to deal with my three very active kids. When I feel tired, weary or stressed out, my husband would rescue me by taking me out, have dinner and watch a good movie.

It's been one year and four months already since my husband and I decided I quit my job. And to be honest, I'm enjoying it. I experienced hands on the joys and the pains of parenthood and motherhood.. Things that sometimes even the best parenting books cannot give.

Here are some of the things I love being a stay-at-home mom:

I was able to spend quality time with them. When I say "quality", it means not just being there physically, but being really involved in their lives. We played games, drew, colored, and painted. I cooked their favorite food, watched their favorite cartoons, listened to their "weird" stories. We watched Barney and Hi-5 together and memorized their songs. We read good books together .

I was able to be involved with their studies. I personally helped them with their homework and do away with the tutor we used to hire. Two birds in one nest, bonding and savings! I found out their academic strengths and weaknesses. I encouraged them to perform well in school. I watched their school programs, attended parent-teacher meetings, joined them on their field trips. I will not trade the joy on their faces every time they would introduce me to their teachers and classmates, something I would cherish when my hair turns into gray.

I was able to take care of them physically, emotionally and spiritually. I lectured them about their body parts and their functions as I bathed them. Something they can learn at school but I took time to do myself so I can answer their innocent questions the proper way. I taught them of proper hygiene, took them to the doctor for regular check up. When they get sick, I was there to comfort them in their pain. I learned that when a child is sick, just the mere presence of their parents comforts them. I knew it because my kids say so. There will be no better medicine for a sick child's heart than a loving touch of a parents' hand. When they're emotionally in pain, I was there to assure them that everything will be alright. I took them to Sunday school, and taught them how to pray from the heart. I read them the Bible, sat down, listened and answered their questions about life, something other parents took for granted. When I was a child, I would always ask about something but gets nothing but a shrug or a "you ask too much" reply.

Before, when I accepted the fact that I won't be working anymore, I thought that what I will do is a noble act for the benefit of my children. Little did I know that in the process, I will benefit more. My experiences made me a much better person. And I thank God that He blessed me with a husband who gave me this opportunity to take care of them, as he provides well for us.