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Dear Husband, Thank You For Letting Me Be a Stay-at-Home Mom

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By Karen Jasmin Ragasa

family at home www.herviewfromhome.com — wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

The decision to be a stay-at-home mom came easy. I was already working from home when Gian and I got married, so it worked out perfectly for us. When we found out we were having a baby, I wasn’t worried about making big changes with regards to employment because I knew I could still keep my job and take care of our daughter at the same time. It was a convenient arrangement.

Although juggling work and a baby was a challenge, I tried my best to get everything done. I worked when the baby was asleep, and I finished my chores when I had extra time on my hands. I had a lot of help from my husband and relatives, so it was a fairly smooth transition to parenthood.

There were times when I wanted to quit my job, but it was nice having two incomes, so I toughed it out. We were financially comfortable, and I got to stay home like I wanted. I really had no reason to complain.

Then the number of projects I got decreased over time. My work hours were reduced and there were months when I had no projects at all. I was beginning to realize how difficult it was to only have my husband supporting us financially. Being a stay-at-home mom is actually very expensive. The cost of raising a child is already high and doing it with one income can be very overwhelming.

We discussed our options and we both agreed that my priority is to stay home and care for our daughter. I’ve tried looking for other online jobs to help out financially, but my husband always reminds me the same thing: focus on our daughter. My husband is right. The time will come when my daughter won’t need me as much and I can focus on my career then, but for now she needs me.

It’s hard to support a family on one income. It’s not just physically tiring, it takes its toll mentally as well. There are certain comforts and personal wants that we need to give up, but with the right perspective and a lot of faith, we somehow make it work. I give my husband credit for keeping everything together. I tend to be a very emotional person and he’s been my support throughout this whole adjustment period.

So to my husband who works really hard to provide for us, I say THANK YOU.

Thank you for making me see that my priority is my family and that I don’t have to feel guilty about not working. You taught me to live in the moment and enjoy the opportunity I have to take care of our daughter full-time.

Thank you for teaching me that what we have is enough. We have to cut back on some expenses and I do sometimes miss the extra things we’ve enjoyed in the past, but I’ve learned to find joy in the simple things.

Thank you for showing our daughter what a father should be—a provider. Your example teaches her the importance of hard work and the value of money.

Thank you for appreciating the work I do at home and for acknowledging the contribution I’m making for our family. It makes me feel valued and loved.

Thank you for being happy and contented with the life we have. We don’t have much, but we have each other. That’s all we really need, right?

Lastly, thank you for letting me live my dream. I’ve always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and I’m grateful I get to do it with your support.

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Karen Jasmin Ragasa

I'm a stay-at-home mom who loves long conversations and afternoon naps. I enjoy all-you-can-eat buffets and I can't resist churros and ice cream. I live in the Philippines with my husband and 2 year old daughter. I write about the things I love, the things I don't like as much, and everything in between.

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