I read an article the other day that really caught my attention. The author talked about her decision about becoming a stay-at-home and how it was something that she regrets. She felt like she let people down, she didn’t use her degree, her world narrowed, she worried more and even lost confidence. As a fellow stay-at-home mom, I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for her. It made me sad that she felt this way. I know the impact she as a mom had on her children. I know that the work she did at home was SO important, even if she didn’t recognize it.
I was so blessed to grow up in a family where my mom was able to stay home. She helped me with my homework, took me to dance class, made dinner, played games and somehow still managed to take care of our home, my dad and all of my siblings. It was so great knowing my mom was going to be there for me whenever I needed her – our family was her priority.
Photo by Ms. Wedding Image
Today I wanted to talk about the impact of a mom. The things that a mother is to her child. I have a list of nine specific things that your children see in YOU…as their mom. Whether you stay home or are a working mom outside the home, the impact you have on your children is real. Nobody replaces MOM.
1. YOU ARE THE SMARTEST PERSON THEY KNOW: To your children, you know everything about anything. Of course, this may change as they get a little older, but your children will probably almost always seek for your guidance and opinion. I still text and call my mom asking her questions and seeking help for things ALL the time.
2. YOU ARE THEIR REAL MARY POPPINS: Not only can you magically clean up after them all day every day, but you probably have a big bag of fun things for them to do and may have even taught them about a spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go down when they have been sick.
3. YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL: My little one LOVES to brush my hair – it is probably considered “tangling” my hair, more than brushing my hair… but it’s cute so I let her do it. {I can’t wait until she is older and can actually brush my hair. Does anyone else think that is the BEST feeling in the world?!} To your children, you are beautiful! They love your jewelry and shoes – they love your hair and make-up. And nobody makes them look and feel more beautiful than their mom. I asked my husband to do our little lady’s hair one day… and let’s just say he hasn’t done it since. 🙂
4. YOU ARE THE BEST COOK: You provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for them and even snacks in between! Nobody beats that!
5. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING IN THEIR EYES: Somehow you manage to volunteer and help serve others, you do the dishes while babies are crawling on both of your legs, you sing like an angel when you rock them to sleep, you make them laugh when you tickle their toes and sometimes they think you are super mom! When they see you, they believe in you! In fact, they probably want to be just like you when they grow up!
6. YOU READ STORIES BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE: Nobody reads stories quite like mom. Sometimes our one-year-old will be reading with her dad and she will suddenly take the book out of his hands and come sit on my lap to read. There is something about a mothers touch and voice that children definitely find comforting.
7. YOU ARE REALLY GOOD AT KISSING BOO-BOOS: Is there anyone better than a mom when it comes to comforting hurt feelings, a stubbed toe, a cut finger or scraped knee? Moms know how to make them feel ALL better!
8. YOU GUIDE THEM TO BECOME WHO THEY ARE: We can’t force our children to turn out exactly how we want them, but as their moms we can lead and guide them through our example. By being with them and showing them how we like to live, they can watch and learn how they should be. You are impacting their future right here. Right now.
9. YOU ARE THEIR WORLD: Not only are you their leader, their cook, their cleaner, their taxi driver and their comforter – you are their diaper changer, coach, cheerleader and comedian. YOU are their everything.
David O. McKay said, “The greatest work we will ever do will be within the walls of our home.”
Photo by Ms. Wedding Image
Whether you are a working mom or are able to be a stay-at-home, the impact you have on your children is real. And no matter how important your job outside of the home is, or how much you want to be with your friends, or how many articles you can write on your blog {in my own case!}, our families are what is most important. Because a MOM can never be replaced.
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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Sahm Life
May 22, 2016 at 2:35 pm (8 years ago)Thank you so much for this article. It really hit home. We all need reminding, that our most important role in life is being a good mom.
Savannah
March 6, 2016 at 5:35 am (8 years ago)Thank you for this wonderful article, Danielle.
Being a SAHM is so difficult, and lonely sometimes. But it truly is so worth it. This article truly was a great reminder when I needed it most. Thank you so much for sharing <3
Reneece
February 21, 2016 at 11:05 pm (8 years ago)This article made my day! I have a four year old boy who lights up my world. He makes me feel like I am the best person in this whole wide world.
In 2014 I made the decision to be a stay at home mom because I felt I was missing out on so many moments in his first years. I was feeling robbed of time by working Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm,briefly seeing him in the morning to not enough hours at night, then repeat. Weekends were not enough. I felt like this was not the mommy I envisioned nor wanted to be. So I decided to resign and take a year or so off to be more apart of his life. I felt more connected and more in tune with who this little being was becoming. I felt like I was more dependable and that he knows I’m the one person he can count on. I love being that important person for my son 😉 Thank you for sharing!
Charlene
January 27, 2016 at 10:31 pm (8 years ago)Hang in there all you stay at home moms, my “children” are both now successful amazing young adults and share with me all the special memories they have of when they were young and I chose to stay at home with them. Parenting, whether you stay at home or work is the most rewarding job in life
Alicia
January 16, 2016 at 2:04 pm (8 years ago)Truth!! I am a teacher and I feel that I am constantly being evaluated and judged on my performance by my Administrators, coworkers, students, and their parents. Its nice to come home everyday and know that I can do no wrong (most of the time) in my daughter’s eyes. I don’t have to worry about what I look like. I can come home and know that my biggest fan is there waiting for me.
Stephanie
December 15, 2014 at 5:44 pm (9 years ago)So the other day I had a conversation with my bestie about this. About being a stay at home mom, and feeling, I guess, unaccomplished? I’m not sure if that is the word exactly, I’m not a stay at home mom yet, but I’ve always wanted to be. The other day I realized I really need the feeling of being needed and feeling accomplished. This list is such a great reminder of that! She actually sent me the same quote too from David O. McKay. It’s always nice to read these posts and be reminded of exactly what you may be worrying about.
Jennifer Tammy
December 14, 2014 at 10:21 pm (9 years ago)Brushing hair IS the best feeling. My little one loves scratching backs, whenever she tries to brush my hair, she just gets the brush caught in my curls, LOL
Beautiful pictures – sharing!
Laura funk
July 24, 2014 at 3:49 am (10 years ago)Oh this article is beautifully written! I just love that you call us the real life Mary Poppins! YAY
Sasha
July 23, 2014 at 3:41 am (10 years ago)This was so beautiful and encouraging! As a fellow SAHM I have listened to other moms tell me things such as “Oh, I could never stay home with my kids!” Your words explained so exquisitely how I feel.
Amber NElson
July 23, 2014 at 2:48 am (10 years ago)This is awesome. Moms are awesome! They are so impactful!
Danielle Davis
July 23, 2014 at 4:49 pm (10 years ago)Moms are awesome! Thanks for your comment!
Elizabeth Copeland
July 23, 2014 at 2:48 am (10 years ago)I think one of the most important parts of guiding them is showing that we all make mistakes, apologizing, and trying to make amends as best we can. I know that my kids will do their part to make amends, when they see that I admit my faults as well.
Danielle Davis
July 23, 2014 at 4:50 pm (10 years ago)That’s great advice Elizabeth. Showing our kids we can say sorry helps them develop into better little individuals. Thanks for your comment and for being a great mom!
Beth Anne
July 23, 2014 at 2:36 am (10 years ago)Great encouragement here! Being a stay-at-home Mom can be hard but it’s wonderful too!
~ Beth Anne
Danielle Davis
July 23, 2014 at 4:51 pm (10 years ago)That’s so true Beth. It’s definitely one of the hardest things that I have done but I have learned and have grown so much from it. Thanks for your comment!
Danielle
July 23, 2014 at 1:03 am (10 years ago)I so wish that #4 were true. My son has told me a number of times that he refuses to eat a few of my meals because I my food is terrible…LOL. I assume it must be pretty bad or he is just being a mean little 6 year old. He does however tell me that I am beautiful an that I am the smartest girl he knows.
Danielle Davis
July 23, 2014 at 4:52 pm (10 years ago)That’s never an easy thing to hear from a 6 year old Danielle lol. I am glad that he follows up his tough comments by telling you you’re beautiful. Thanks for your comment today!
Me And My Mini Me
July 22, 2014 at 11:06 pm (10 years ago)I absolutely love this article. I’m a single WAHM and I know that I don’t regret my decision to be with my daughter 24/7. I think it’s the best thing in the world at least while she’s still little. Thank you for sharing this amazing article and your thoughts.
–Me And My Mini Me
http://www.meandmyminime.com
Danielle Davis
July 23, 2014 at 5:12 pm (10 years ago)Thank you for your kind words. It’s amazing moms like you that help spread the message of enjoying and cherishing our children through being a mom. Thanks so much for commenting today!