Study confirms being a stay-at-home mom is tough work
January 3, 2012
An online search for the job description for a mom yields a variety of humorous and true statements.
"Long term, team [player] needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment," states CliffMama.com. "[Candidate] must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24-hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required."
While many mothers will admit that raising children is the most rewarding job they've ever had (or ever will have), they will also openly admit that it is hard work filled with daily challenges.
In fact, a recent study published in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology found that stay-at-home moms have more stress and feel more socially isolated than their working counterparts.
The results of the study surely won't be the impetus for most moms to go out and get a job, but they may help validate the feelings they have and help them understand that they're not alone.
For others, a study like this may be the piece of information that helps them to commit to doing something for themselves that will ultimately benefit their families as well, such as pursuing their dreams of earning a college education.
Moms in this group should know that paying for their college degree can be made easier with grants for parents, single mother scholarships and other scholarships for mothers.
