The Power of Parenthood: How Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Can Supercharge Your Skillset
In preparation to go back to work after what will be a total of 1 year on maternity leave, I have been reflecting on what I have learned during my time as a stay-at-home mother.
We can debate what terminology is the best to use, but I think the role of a stay at home mom is universally understood. At first glance, it might seem like a peaceful life centered around caring for children, but in reality, it's a dynamic and demanding job. A typical day for a stay-at-home mom generally involves waking up early (sometimes at 5 am) to prepare breakfast, packing school lunches, and getting kids ready for their day. The rest of the day can be a whirlwind of diaper changes, feeding, playtime, and naps for younger children, while also overseeing homework, afterschool activities, and managing the household for older kids. When you have younger ones that are too small for any type of schooling you need find ways to entertain them with music or educational activities throughout the day; by the time bedtime hits you can be so depleted that you either go straight to bed or simply lounge in front of the TV or doomscroll until bedtime. Wake up, rinse, repeat. All this to say, being a full time mother/chef/chauffer/housekeeper is a balancing act of nurturing, educating, and maintaining a comfortable home environment. The look of a stay-at-home mom's life may include messy hair, a stain or two on her shirt, and a constantly changing to-do list, but it's also filled with immeasurable love, the joy of watching children grow, and the satisfaction of creating a warm and supportive family atmosphere.
It's easy for people who have never gone through matrescence to underestimate the incredible transformation and skillset that comes with becoming a mother. While some may view maternity leave as a vacation, the truth is that the role of a stay-at-home mother is a demanding and rewarding job that can significantly enhance your abilities in various (I would argue essentially all) areas of life. The experience can broaden your skillset and make you a more versatile and capable individual in a multitude of ways including time management, communication skills, multitasking abilities, conflict resolution, organization, budgeting/financial management, and flexibility to name a few.
On Time Management: One of the most valuable skills you'll develop as a stay-at-home mom is exceptional time management. Juggling the needs of children, household chores, and possibly even part-time work or personal pursuits requires you to become a master planner. You'll learn to prioritize tasks, allocate your time efficiently, and adapt to unexpected challenges, all of which are valuable skills in any professional setting.
On Communication Skills: Being a stay-at-home mom involves constant communication, whether it's comforting a crying baby, negotiating with a toddler, or discussing family matters with your partner. These communication skills can be leveraged in the workplace, making you an effective team player, leader, or collaborator.
On Multitasking: Stay-at-home mothers are the ultimate multitaskers. From preparing meals and helping with homework to managing household finances and maintaining a clean and organized home, you'll become adept at handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This ability to multitask can be a game-changer in the workplace, where efficiency and productivity are highly valued.
On Patience and Conflict Resolution: Parenting often requires boundless patience and the ability to resolve conflicts calmly and diplomatically. These conflicts are not only between siblings, or you and your partner, but also family members, and those who may care for your children during the day at daycare or school. These skills can translate seamlessly into the workplace, where you'll be better equipped to handle challenging colleagues, customers, or high-pressure situations with composure and grace.
On Organization and Planning: A well-organized household is essential for a stay-at-home mom to stay productive and sane, and this translates into strong organizational and planning skills. You'll learn how to create schedules, set goals, and break down tasks into manageable steps, which are invaluable abilities in both your personal and professional life.
On Budgeting and Financial Management: Managing a family budget is a critical skill for stay-at-home moms, as it ensures that the household runs smoothly within financial constraints. These budgeting skills can be easily transferred to managing finances in a job or even starting your own business, as you'll have a deep understanding of income, expenses, and creative savings strategies.
On Adaptability and Flexibility: Children grow and change rapidly, and as a stay-at-home mom, you'll learn to adapt to their evolving needs. This adaptability and flexibility are essential in today's ever-changing job market, where the ability to embrace new technologies, methodologies, and roles is highly prized.
In conclusion, I view taking a break from work to be a stay-at-home mom as more than just a pause in my career; it has be a transformative experience that has enriched my skillset in numerous ways. Each time I have been on maternity leave I learned very different things. From honing my time management and multitasking abilities to developing patience, adaptability, and communication skills, I have changed in so many positive ways that have benefitted my personal and professional life.
There are many women who face the question of, “If or when I have kids, when do I go back to work?” The prospect of stepping away from work can be daunting, as they worry about potential setbacks in their professional growth, financial stability, and the fear of being out of touch with their field. This fear is often rooted in the broader societal pressures and expectations that place great importance on a woman's career achievements. However, it's essential to recognize that choosing to focus on motherhood for a period does not diminish a woman's capabilities, ambitions, or potential. It's a personal choice, and for many, it can be a fulfilling and meaningful chapter in their lives. Overcoming these fears and embracing the decision to take a break can ultimately lead to a more balanced and satisfying life, where the rewards of motherhood can coexist with career aspirations.
So, to all those women contemplating taking a break from their careers for motherhood but who are afraid of negative consequences to their career or professional development, I would like you to realize that you're not just taking a break; you're gaining a remarkable set of skills that can change your life and empower you in ways you never imagined.
Dr. Ania Sergeenko
