10 Things Never to Say to a Working Mom

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am a former full-time working mom. I spent half of my eldest daughter’s life working 40+ hours a week, in a corporate setting. Not the mention the amount of traveling I did, as well — working on the road in hotels and airports.

It was so hard.

Now, I’m a part-time SAHM and part-time working mom.

And it’s still hard.

Last week, I posted on the 10 Things Never to Say to Stay-at-Home Mom. What else could I post about this week besides the 10 Things Never to Say to a Working Mom?

So here is Part II of my Things Never to Say to a Mom series. Enjoy!

10 Things Never to Say to a Working Mom

1. I could never let someone else raise my kids.

Meh, no big deal. It’s easier this way … I don’t help with homework, or fix dinner, or set appointments, or offer guidance, or get them ready in the morning, or tuck them in at night. I don’t even snuggle, hug, or kiss them. This is just the way it is when you have someone else “raise” your kids – it’s all or nothing.

2. Kids are the most important thing. I make time for what’s most important to me.

Ummm… So I can’t even — won’t even —  entertain this comment.

3. You spent all day without your kids, why do you need an hour to yourself?

I don’t. Because NOBODY ELSE ALL DAY LONG needed anything from me.

4. You’ll realize that no amount of money is worth this time you’re missing out on.

You’re absolutely right. Maybe you can write up that memo for me when it comes time to pay my mortgage to the bank. Oh, and the electric company. And I’m sure Kroger will understand when I request free groceries for my family.

5. I don’t know how you get everything done.

This is a joke, right?

6. Your kids are sick? Isn’t there someone else who can take care of them?

It’s weird. You know, for some reason, day care won’t allow them to come sick because they might spread what they have to the other kids. Their grandparents don’t live near by, our babysitter is in school and everyone else I know has a job too.

Want to know what’s also weird? When kids are sick, they seem to want and need their MOM the most. I’m sorry that’s so annoying to you.

7. It must be good to get away.

Yep. I do a little dance every time I leave the people I love the most in the world.

8. Cutting back on your expenses could allow you to stay home with your kids.

My children haven’t had new clothes (hand-me-downs, anyone??) since the day they were born. Neither have I, for that matter. (Consignment stores for the win!) And my retro minivan? It’s been paid off since 1996 and I ain’t adding another bill.

Expenses are cut back. (Oh, and for the record, I might even enjoy my job.)

9. Good for you for putting yourself first!

Oh! I was mistaken, I thought this was me putting everyone else first. My bad.

10. Good for you for doing whatever measures you have to take.

There’s a fine line – and this straddles it. Because I don’t have to do any of this. I get to.

I get be the first person my kids see each day. I get to be the one to tuck them in at night. I get to not be isolated. I get to help provide for my family’s lifestyle. I get to enjoy using my talents outside the home. I get to treasure the time I do spend with my kids. And I get to set an example of hard work in and outside our home.

I get to change their lives.