Breaking the "norms." You can do it all! All by yourself!

Being a stay at home mom is a full-time job but add being single, working at home, and homeschooling to the list, this can easily be the equivalent of 3+ full-time jobs (in my opinion).  How can all of this be done by one person?  I am not exactly sure about all the mechanics yet but I am working hard to figure it out.

There are stereotypes surrounding being a stay at home mom, being a working mom, and homeschooling  so I would like to try and dispel some of these if I can.  Being a stay at home mom does not mean you are lazy and trying to get out of working.  Being a stay at home mom is anything but a way out of work.  It is a big commitment.  And, no, we do not always wear sweats and T's, we clean up just as nicely as anyone else does but it makes no sense to be wearing lipstick and heels when you are chasing toddlers and changing diapers or any of the other dozen or more activities that have to be done.  If you are a working mom then that must mean that your job is more important than your children.  Some moms have to work and some moms think working makes them a better mom.  So, no, being a working mom does not mean you love your kids any less.  It just means you are doing what you think is in the best interest for everyone.  Homeschooling moms do not all wear long jean skirts, we do not all drive cargo vans, we do not all have more than five kids, and we do not all make three loaves of bread each day, at least I do not.

Now to be more specific.  I have been researching single, work at home, stay at home, homeschooling moms (there are a few dads that fit this but mostly moms).  Seems like this is not a new species like I thought it was.  I found that just less than a fourth of the estimated 2 million+ homeschooling parents are single moms (again, a few dads too). These single moms (dads) also are head of their household, work outside or inside the home, and homeschool.  The key is being organized and staying on top of things.  All of the single parents polled were asked why is it important to do all of this?  The majority responded by saying their children come first and when you are a parent (most parents), you will do anything for your children even when it means juggling all of those balls in the air to make that happen.  It is only for a short time anyway since kids grow up so fast these days.  I am very happy to put the needs of my children first.  I would do anything for them and they know this and see this very clearly.  I am not saying this will be easy but it is doable and I have basically been doing this by myself the past few years anyway so not too much has changed.

Doing it all by yourself may sound impossible but if you keep trying and remember why you are doing what you are doing, it will be worth it!

I added a few links on single parenting, working at home, staying at home, homeschooling, and moving below.  These are valuable resources.

Focus on the Family.

Home Educator's Family Times.

By Evie at Stay at Home Child.

Jimmie's collage.

Moving tips.

Vicky S. from Pinterest boards.