Finding the right balance of work life and home life is a journey every parent must go on, and it isn’t easy. Perhaps you’re planning to continue working full-time after starting a family. Or perhaps you know you’re going to be a stay-at-home mom. There’s so many options and there isn’t a one size that fits all!
One thing you might learn is that staying flexible and open to change will make your life a lot easier. Before starting a family, I thought I would remain at my work full-time.
Soon after my son was born I realized that he had changed everything and I couldn’t imagine working a demanding job while he was at daycare. But was being a stay-at-home mom right for me? Was that lifestyle the right choice for me and my family?
I knew that I couldn't do it.
Photo of me with my firstborn. Photo by Kelly Wilson Photography.
I needed a focus, goals, and purpose other than being a mom. Don’t get me wrong! Being a mom is more than enough! There is no thing as “just a mom”. Parenthood is completely rewarding and a hard job as is!
Let me explain.
All the women in my family, on both sides, have suffered a common fate. They were focused on being stay-at-home moms and nothing else for many, many years. They loved it. They were amazing at it.
But then…..the kids grew up.
Photo of me with my second born. Photo by me.
And when those kids walked out the doors to become adults, they took their mother’s reason for getting up every morning with them.
Every single one of my female family members who did this, suffered serious depression after their kids left.
So I knew, that if I wanted to set myself AND my kids up for success, I needed something else. That’s why I became a photographer. A job that kept me home most days and allowed my children to stay out of daycare while also giving me a passion, a driving force, and goals other than being a good mom.
Photo of my 2 kids after my second was born.
I’m a better mom for it!
My kids get to see me at my best! When I have a win, like when I get an award for one of my photos, I share it with them! They see me edit, and push myself, and try new things. They also see when I struggle. When a photo session is hard or when times are tough. They watch as I overcome that and keep driving towards my passion.
They learn from my example. They learn to follow a passion. To not give up.
Photo of my kids in March 2023
Is this style of motherhood right for everyone? Absolutely not. My hope in sharing this is that you’ll know it’s okay to find and follow what works for you and your family.
After all, when you’re at your best, you’re also their best mom.