To the moms in the middle,
I know you have friends who knew they were meant to be stay-at-home moms and others who knew they would absolutely be working moms.
You’re happy for them, but you don’t fall into either category.
You’re a mom in the middle.
I’ve seen you struggle with your identity as you change babies and chase toddlers. I’ve seen you find work that allows you to find a bit of yourself behind a computer screen as your babes still sleep in the wee morning hours and in small spurts throughout the day. I’ve seen you take on full-time home duties and office responsibilities.
You’re pulling double-duty and wondering why stay at home at all if you work so much?
Because one day on your epitaph you hope it reads, “She tried her best, but was there for everything.”
We want the first steps, post-boo-boo kisses, and after-school greetings. And yet we can’t shake the need to use our talents beyond the call to motherhood.
Drop the guilt. Your kids may not get 100 percent of your time, but without your work, they wouldn’t be getting the 100 percent you.
Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable working full-time or being a full-time stay-at-home-parent because that’s not who you were meant to be.
And your kids need you, the full version. Because that’s the mom who they were meant to have.
I know it feels like you are pulled in all directions, but rest assured you have found your spot on the map.
You are trying your best, but are there for everything.
Let this be enough.
Love,
A mom in the middle
This article originally appeared on Jillian Benfield
You may also like:
To All the Working Moms Who Are Tired Before They Get to Work
What Do Stay At Home Moms Do All Day?
Want more stories of love, family, and faith from the heart of every home, delivered straight to you? Sign up here!