I have been raising my kids

Last month I resigned from my teaching job of six years. I loved my job and the students I taught, but the one hour, one way commute with four kids in the car and leaving home at 5:30am not to return until 5:00pm had become too taxing physically and mentally. So, for the first time ever since the birth of my first child 7 years ago, I am going to stay home. I may pick up odd jobs here and there but I will not be reporting to work everyday where I need to dress up/wear a uniform. 

While the community where I taught was sad to see me go, they understood my desire to do what was best for me and my family and supported me - it is such an incredible community! However, a conversation I had with a colleague, who I would only describe as an acquaintance (I never worked with her, only saw her on rare occasions), included a phrase that really struck me. 

“It’s so great that you’ll get to stay home and start raising your kids.”

“It’s so great that you’ll get to stay home and start raising your kids.”

I’ve been RAISING MY KIDS since they were born. I am their mother when I am at work and when I am not at work. Am I excited to be able to spend more time with them during the day? Absolutely. But in no way did my time away to work mean I wasn’t raising them. I taught them to be respectful which they demonstrate when we are out in public, at church, at school or in day care. I taught them to clean up after themselves and to help others who may not be able to. I’ve taught them a love of music they demonstrate when I am, or am not, home. I HAVE been raising them and will continue to do so in this year off and in the future when I start to work again.

I truly believe I was a better mom for those 7 years because I worked. It made going home to them even more special and at the same time, I got to use my God given talents to enrich the lives of others. It didn’t come without it stresses or late nights, but it was something I knew I was good at and showed my kids that I followed my dream through a college education that led me to a fulfilling job. And that is exactly what I want for them. 

This colleague then went onto say that she stayed home for 20 years and her children are good members of society that don’t live on welfare…*insert biggest eye roll ever*

For me, teaching is what I had to do to make money to provide my kids with opportunities and safety, and what I had to do to feel more confident in myself. This year will bring challenges but I am excited to CONTINUE to raise my kids, not start it for the first time.