I am a stay-at-home mom!---文章分享

　　每天都很忙，忙著準備每天的課程，忙著準備星期天的主日學課程，忙著煮飯給這兩個黃毛鴨頭，忙著餵這兩個黃毛鴨頭，忙著洗碗洗衣服晾衣服，忙著整理剛整理好卻一下子又被搞亂的客廳，忙著到市場補充家裡的食物，忙著幫這兩隻小猴洗澡穿衣服換尿布，有時還要忍住火山即將爆發的情緒……..。厚～如果家庭主婦也是一種職業，它可是最忙最會得內傷又最晚下班的吔～～
　　在美國，家庭主婦叫housewife, 誇張點有人叫house keeper，我遇過一個美國媽媽，她說她不喜歡人家這麼稱呼她，所以她常會跟人家說：「I am a stay-at-home mom.」，嗯～聽起來好像比較時尚些，哈～後來還蠻常聽到人家這麼介紹自己，因為這些”stay-at-home mom”覺得自己是因為孩子的教導，而留在家裡，她們認同對孩子來說，這是很重要的階段；在這教養的同時，她們仍會去持續擁有自己的興趣、理想….等等。　嗯～我想，這個很重要。

在網路上看到一篇文章很不錯，教你每位”stay-at-home mom”要知道的四件事：
1. Feel Proud of What You Do為你所做的感到驕傲
2. Keep in Touch with Friends與朋友保持聯繫
3. Get Organized讓生活井然有序
4. Get in Touch with Your Creative Side發揮你的想像力

各位媽媽們加油加油！！

以下是文章內容：
4 Things Every Stay-at-Home Mom Needs to Know

Thinking about becoming a stay-at-home mom? Many moms agree that while it can be a thankless job, it is also a richly rewarding experience -- one that they wouldn't trade for the world. Discover some of the best-kept secrets to stay-at-home success and then join other moms on the At-Home Moms message board for more advice and support.

1. Feel Proud of What You Do
When someone asks me what I do, I tell them I stay home with my children and I'm not in the least ashamed or embarrassed. I have learned that most people who don't think much of stay-at-home moms (SAHM) don't know what's involved and how much a family benefits and appreciates what we do. My children are only young once; I can get a career later. --Parent SouperJackie

I tell people that I am a SAHM, and I do get some odd responses to that! "Oh, so you have no education?" (I have a masters degree and a year into a Ph.D.), or "No skills, huh?" (I used to write million-dollar grants and teach grad school). I am comfortable with my answers, but a lot of other people are not. They think my education is going to waste. I answer those people with "I'm raising my children, and teaching them. What better use of my skills?" --Parent Souper Barb

Stay-at-home motherhood has changed me in so many ways. I find the biggest challenge is setting the "right" example and being the perfect role model. I love my children dearly and I want them to see that mommy has a life too. --Parent Souper Jeanne

2. Keep in Touch with Friends
Having girlfriends is a huge support in being a SAHM, especially if they are SAHMs too. You have a friendly outlet for yourself and playtime for the kids at the same time. --Parent Souper Jackie

I don't get nearly as much girl talk as I used to, but I know, as my children get older and more independent, there will be more time for me. As for keeping working girlfriends close -- live your life, care for your family, and if these old friends want to keep in touch they will. You can offer a meeting, but don't be surprised when you see less and less of most working friends. Just remember that the true friendships will last. --Parent Souper Barb

3. Get Organized
Having a routine and making lists keeps me sane! I have three calendars -- a basic one (for doctor/dentist appointments, etc.), a school one (PTA meetings, school days off, etc.) and a perpetual birthday/anniversary one. Don't over-schedule the kids. Remember that children need time to just play. --Parent Souper Barb

First and foremost, the key is to get rid of stuff! My motto is: If we don't eat it, need it, wear it, or use it, it goes (with sentimental exceptions!). I use the plastic drawer storage to organize smaller-sized toys that would wind up at the bottom of the toy box. (My toddlers even know which toys go in which drawers.) I also use decorative baskets for mail, my makeup, keys and other small household items. --Parent Souper Jackie

I have a routine and stick to it. Monday is my "pick-up from the weekend" day (e.g. cleaning bathrooms, sweeping and laundry), Tuesday and Wednesday are our "busy" days (doing things out of the house). Thursday is laundry day and Friday is dust, mop, clean bathrooms -- "getting ready for the weekend" day. Get a calendar and write things down so you can see what you have to do. I have a purse calendar that I take with me. If anyone asks me if we can do something on a certain day, I can look right then and see if we are free to go. --Parent Souper Cindy

4. Get in Touch with Your Creative Side
Finding time for you is so important. Whether you make crafts, or are involved in the PTA, you have to have activities besides housework and children. --Parent Souper Jackie

I have become a "Fix-It-SAHM." I do repairs, painting, hanging closet doors, putting new hardware on furniture, etc. I am constantly on the look out for projects to do for Christmas gifts. I would go crazy if I didn't find projects to occupy my time and mind. --Parent Souper Jackie

I am working on a book. It is a kid-friendly book about stay-at-home motherhood from a child's perspective. --Parent Souper Jeanne

Be creative in trying to save money. Make up financial challenges: Save for larger items or make up grocery challenges (challenge yourself!). My best money-saving tips are "live simply." Bake from scratch, make simple meals, use coupons, set a budget and stick to it. Forget the silly little perks you had working (lattés out, dinner out, etc.) and enjoy your children. Your love and attention is what they need -- not toys and the latest gadgets. --Parent Souper Barb