More Than “Just a Mom”

Only once out of all the times we have moved and all the people we’ve met have I been asked what I do. Yes, I am a mom, but here’s why I want my daughter to know I am more than “just a mom,” and how we can support each other along the way.

Since our first baby was born four years ago, our family has lived in four states. We’ve met lots of new people, made lots of new friends, and had to introduce ourselves way too many times to count.

One question that always comes up when we move somewhere new is, “What does your husband do?” It’s a perfectly normal question, and I don’t take any offense that people always ask.

But only once out of all the times we have moved and all the people we’ve met have I been asked what I do.

As a mom with three small kids, people assume that I am “just a mom.” And that’s fine, because I am a mom. I stay at home with three kids under five and I feed, clothe, and wipe their bums all day long. I’m proud to be their mom, and I love this special job that I have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

But I want people to know that I am more than “just a mom.” And more importantly, as my daughter grows up, I want her to know that I am more than “just a mom.”

I have hobbies, talents, and a job I do from home that supports our family.

I like to cook, bake, try new recipes, and bring treats and meals to friends and neighbors.

I clean our house, do the laundry, and make sure our pantry and refrigerator are fully stocked with food.

I love to sew and paint and make things for our home that I can proudly display and say “I made that.”

I went to college, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, and I am continually learning new things.

I love to read and write about pregnancy and parenting, and I have been pouring my heart into this blog for over four years to help financially support our family. It is a huge part of my life, and I want to share it with people I meet.

I have dreams, goals, and desires, and I am constantly working on different projects and multi-tasking to get everything done that I need and want to do.

I want my daughter to know that she can be anything she wants, and if that includes being a mom and a veterinarian, then she can absolutely do both. If she wants to stay at home and have ten kids, she can absolutely do that, too. I want her to know that every mother is so much more than “just a mom,” and we do each other a disservice by asking about what our spouses do instead of about each other’s hobbies, goals, and pursuits outside of motherhood.

We live in an amazing time where women can have children and work, whether it be at a job away from home or one she does from her computer in the living room. We can sell things we create online, sell things we are passionate about through social media, or do any other dang thing we please to help support our families.

I am more than “just a mom,” and without even knowing you, I know you are absolutely more than “just a mom.” Let’s stop pretending like we are just moms and start sharing our goals and dreams with each other. Because together, we can teach our daughters that they can be and do anything they want to.