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Dream a Little Dream with Me
by Cheryl Gochnauer, Homebodies.org

As an at-home parent, It's important to surround yourself with people who support your family-focused decision.  To illustrate this point, this week I'm including part of a message board posting from a Homebodies reader, Shelly, and some responses her posting generated:

"Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being married to my handsome prince, having babies and making my home a safe harbor for my family and friends.  It was a simple, non-glamorous dream, but it was my heart's desire.

"I am the only lady to stay home with children in my husband's family, and every now and then I get feedback as to my lifestyle.  Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister-in-law, who doesn't have any kids.  We were talking about working, and she commented, 'Well, I could never see myself staying home with my children, because I wouldn't want to lose touch with reality and having a structured life.'

"When I get these little jabs, it hurts.  But I have never felt the need to be like everyone else; in fact, as I get older, I try very hard to be myself and am thankful I am what I always wanted to be:  a wife, mother and homemaker." - Shelly

Thoughts from other Homebodies:

"When I was a stay-at-home mom, my life wasn't structured.  That's what I loved about it.  We woke up when our bodies told us to; we played outside when the weather let us; we went with the flow.  As far as being in touch with reality, that is a common problem with some SAHMs.  If you aren't careful, your entire life will revolve around sippy cups and potty  training." - Jennifer

"My own sister is married and doesn't have kids.  For a long time she used to harass me about staying home and doing 'nothing' all day.  Until she walks the walk, she's not going to know.  Don't let people get to you.  You know your heart; stand by what you believe." - Terri

"Although your desire was to be a mom all along, lots of us dreamed of a career, house, hubby AND kids, so it may be very hard for your sister-in-law to imagine that your dream was different.  It wasn't until we had all those things that some of us realized our values had changed."  - Mary I appreciate the thoughts expressed in of these ladies' postings.  Are you looking for the same sort of support as you're tackling your at-home parenting role?  Visit the message forums at Homebodies (www.homebodies.org) and link up with new friends with common goals.

Not connected to the Internet?  Check with your local churches and boards of education to discover parenting support groups in your area.  Like Jennifer said, at-home life is more than "sippy cups."  Mix up your routine by meeting other like-minded moms, whether in person or on the Web.

Comments?  E-mail Cheryl@homebodies.org, or visit her website at
www.homebodies.org.  Her book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom," is
available at your favorite bookstore.  

copyright 2003 Cheryl Gochnauer - All rights reserved.

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