Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most important jobs I have ever had, because God has entrusted me with another human being to raise for Him. Being a parent is such a huge responsibility and we don't even realize it, until we are thrust into the position of raising our babies. God has allowed me the privilege of watching my babies grow, laugh, play, and learn, as well as bringing me joy, encouragement and lots and lots of blessings.

When I became a mother of two babies, I didn't want to shift them off to childcare every day while I ran off to work. I didn't want to miss all the first moments in my babies' lives like smiling at me when feeding them, laughing when I made a funny face or tickled them, crawling or rolling on the floor in amazement that they could do it all by themselves, standing and attempting to make it from one piece of furniture to another independently, feeding themselves with a spoon eventually and proud of themselves for doing it, taking their first steps with excitement, and so on. The list goes on and on. Why would I want to miss all of this? I am their mom, and in my opinion, nobody can really take my place.

Being a stay-at-home mom allows me the privilege of influencing my babies' lives in so many ways. As the days pass, I can teach them the love of God by demonstrating patience and kindness even when they are not in a good mood or just cranky. My actions speak volumes to them by how I react to problems and circumstances that evolve. Do I blow up when things go wrong? Do I shout orders or calmly give direction? These things are so important to the way my babies will react to life themselves.

 

Being a stay-at-home mom also gives my babies an emotional stability. I remember when I was a child; my mom had to work, because she was a single parent raising nine children by herself. That was definitely not an easy feat for her, and I respected her; not so much as a child, because I didn't understand why she was hardly home. But, I respected her more when I became an adult with babies myself. My babies need that stability of having me there when they want to play, learn, or just because they love me and simply need me there. That emotional tie is bonded as we grow up together.

I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me the ability financially to stay home with my babies. Yes, my husband and I had to alter our budget a little bit and give up a few things; but in retrospect, it was all worth it and then some. I believe it is just a matter of what is most important for my family - all the material things that life has to offer, or simply, an emotionally stable and loving home.

By Rachel Lachapelle