Call her mamma, madre, mum, ma, mummy, amma… all words mean the sweet person who loves you unconditionally. Mothers work from dawn to dusk to do what they believe is best for their family. However, the words ‘work’ or ‘job’ seem to apply only to women balancing their home and workplace. While the role of a working mum is always placed on a pedestal, the image of a stay-at-home mum is often thrown on the backburner. It can be enraging to hear people say “She’s just a mum” or “What do you do all day?”
Some of the popular myths associated with stay-at-home mothers are that they spend their time at malls or watch television all day. The fact is that most mums are so hard-pressed for time, they can hardly finish their cup of coffee. They do not give up their well-paid jobs to enjoy shopping or lazing around indoors. Perhaps the prominent difference is that they don’t get any income for running errands, managing and maintaining the household – work that is not totally stress-free. Stay-at-home mothers prioritise parental presence above everything else. Making memories is priceless, as children grow up fast. I am reminded of the quote from British television show Downton Abbey’s character Mr Carson. He said: “The business of life is acquisition of memories. In the end, that is all there is.” Time passes by, but memories remain.
The complexity of daily struggles that motherhood brings, and the fond memories of spending time with children, cannot be traded against all the glories of the world. Attending to children full-time is more taxing than logging in hours at an office. Being a full-time mum is more than just a job that assures tea breaks and paychecks. It is not a luxury for everyone. Single-income households demand more prudent spending between wants and needs.
Today, the definition of a modern superwoman is one who has a successful career, and who juggles home and work perfectly. It is a fact that women are no longer tied to their apron strings. They can multitask efficiently, forging ahead, facing every challenge under the sun. Every one of us is entitled to make our own choices. However, everybody’s needs and priorities are different and every choice has its pros and cons. Some women choose to work, some prefer to stay home and a few others don’t have a choice due to economic necessities. Eventually, every person feels their choice is better. It is time we support every woman’s choice, respect her decision and make no judgments.
Be it a stay-at-home or a nine-to-five mum, both have their own set of challenges, which they manage beautifully – on time, every time. Every mother is special. Happy Mother’s Day to them all!
- The reader is a freelance writer, based in Abu Dhabi.
