When you think about stay-at-home parents, you probably imagine someone with lots of free time lounging around & watching TV all day. However, the truth is anything but. Being a stay-at-home parent means dealing with endless chores, unexpected messes & the kind of negotiations that would make a UN diplomat sweat. Let’s look at what being a stay-at-home parent is actually like with twelve myths that aren’t true.
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“They’re Living the Life of Leisure”
You’re wrong if you think stay-at-home parents are kicking back with their feet up all day. Their day starts before the sun rises and doesn’t end until the little ones are in bed—sometimes, not even then. Whether they’re doing meal prep or playing taxi driver, the idea that stay-at-home parents have a lot of “free time” is a myth. They’re on the clock 24/7.
“They Don’t Add to the Family Finances”
Some people think that stay-at-home parents don’t make money. Actually, they save the family a small fortune on childcare costs, as well as on takeout meals because they’re there to cook. Lots of them also have creative ways to bring in some cash without stepping out the door, like freelancing or running a home-based business. Every penny counts—and they know how to stretch a dollar!
“They Lack Ambition”
Whoever said that stay-at-home parents don’t have ambition has never tried to wrangle a toddler while simultaneously managing a household budget. Many stay-at-home parents have put their careers on pause because they see the value in being there for their kids’ formative years. Rather than lacking ambition, they’re prioritizing what they believe matters most.
“They’re Starved for Adult Conversation”
Although they might not talk to people their age as often, that doesn’t mean they’re living in social exile. Stay-at-home parents often have many friends that they meet through playdates or on online forums. It’s a different kind of social life but it’s still one in its own right. Stay-at-home parents don’t just talk to their kids!
“They’re Out of Touch with the Professional World”
Although they’re not clocking in at an office, they haven’t lost their professional skills. In fact, many stay-at-home parents work on their skills by taking online courses & freelancing. Some of them might even turn to volunteering. They’re as professionally capable as ever and ready to jump back into work whenever, if that’s what they choose.
“They Don’t Grow Professionally”
Speaking of skills, whoever thinks that stay-at-home parents don’t grow professionally has never tried to negotiate with a toddler. They’re constantly perfecting their time management & multitasking skills, even if it’s not in an official capacity. And let’s not forget their crisis negotiation skills! They grow and learn every day although it’s not in the office.
“They Must Be So Happy All the Time”
Like anyone else, stay-at-home parents have their good days and their bad days. Of course, there are moments of pure joy and immense satisfaction—but there are also days filled with frustration & loneliness. They go through their ups and downs like the rest of us. Assuming they’re always living in a state of bliss oversimplifies their experience.
“They’re Always Free to Volunteer”
Even though they’re at home, they’re not necessarily around waiting for something to do. Nope, their schedules can be just as packed as anyone else’s—if not more. Between all the chores and child-rearing duties, finding extra time for other stuff can be a challenge and that’s why they’re not the community’s on-call helper. They’ll do what they can, though!
“Their House Must Be Spotless”
A stay-at-home parent’s home is lived in, which means toys on the floor & dishes in the sink—and laundry piles that seem to have a life of their own. They’re not automatically much tidier than everyone else. A perfectly clean house is a rare sight and many of these parents will try to manage chaos over achieving perfection.
“Their Kids Are Overly Attached”
Some people believe that kids with stay-at-home parents are going to be clingy or too dependent. However, strong bonds with parents early on can actually lead to more confident & independent kids. Why? Because they have a secure base from which to explore life and themselves.
“They Have It Easier Than Working Parents”
Parenting is tough no matter how you slice it. Comparing stay-at-home parents to those who work outside the home misses the point that each way of raising children has its own set of challenges. Stay-at-home parents deal with being constantly on demand. At the same time, working parents juggle the pressures of their jobs on top of family responsibilities. Nobody has it easier.
“All They Do Is Play With Their Kids”
While play is definitely part of the day for stay-at-home parents, life isn’t one big, endless recess. They need to discipline & guide their kids, too—and let’s not forget all the behind-the-scenes action like meal planning & house cleaning. It’s not all fun and game. There’s serious work happening in between those playdough sessions.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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