Letters From Listeners

Dr. Laura-

I just relocated with my husband and three children (ages 7, 3, and 8 months) for my husband's job and I've been cruising websites trying to get a bit of a social support system going. I was looking at a local Facebook page for newcomers and came across a post from a mother looking for someone to retrieve her child from daycare at 6pm and keep them for two hours three days per week. I'm not sure why, but I started to cry reading the post. I cried for the kid, and a bit for the mom. Once upon a time I would never have thought I would leave my career to spend my days like I did today...at home from 6 am from 8 pm caring for three kids with a fever and runny noses. I alternated between story reading, pumpkin carving, soup making, and DVD surfing with each child to help make them comfortable. I never wanted to be a stay-at-home mom until I had my son and started listening to you. There is so much value to my days and to these small people I am responsible for helping grow to value-centered and productive adults and hopefully parents. 

Thank you for providing so much clarity. Without you, I fear I would have been similar to the woman who had no shame in creating this post...and I know in my heart that what I do every day is not only better for my kids, but also better for me. I don't have the "mom guilt" because I'm always there - to be mom - and that's just who I know I was meant to be. There will be lots of time when they are bigger to just be Christina and I will miss the days like today where the only identity I have is "Mom". 

Thanks again. 

Christina