SheCanHeCan, the Monaco-based organisation that inspires girls to take leadership roles, is honouring Mother’s Day on May 27 by asking 6 women in the Principality three questions: What are the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of being a stay-at-home mum? What, if anything, do you miss, about your last job compared to this role? What would be the best piece of advice you could give a woman deciding to become a stay-at-home mum?
SheCanHeCan has shared some of the responses with Monaco Life for publication, and the full interviews can be found on their Facebook page.
Michelle Rowcliffe, mother of 2
What are the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of being a stay-at-home mum?
Initially you can feel very isolated and you can also feel resentful of other people as their lives continue as normal and your world has been turned upside down. Another challenge is staying motivated as lots of the tasks seem mundane and the days can feel tedious and repetitive.
The most rewarding part is getting to see your child in lots of different situations and witnessing each small part of their development.
Natalie Mordaunt, one child that she homeschools
What, if anything, do you miss, about your last job compared to this role?
Nothing. Life with children can be so much more rewarding as long as you accept that this role isn’t forever and your priorities will continue to shift. I have had moments when I felt I should be “achieving” more, in an academic/career sense, but stepping back and focusing on the present has helped me to embrace this period and enjoy this time more fully. The pace of life change can be a shock but it’s one you must embrace.
Kylie Harrison, mum to 3 children
What would be the best piece of advice you could give a woman deciding to become a stay-at-home mum?
Don’t isolate yourself or feel alone and try not to compare yourself to other mums, working or stay-at-home. Don’t think that every other mum is doing it better than you – they’re not! We all have our own ways and we definitely ALL struggle sometimes. I think we should feel like a motherhood team that has each other’s backs with this, not judging/criticising each other.
Laure Manuel, mother of 4
What are the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of being a stay-at-home mum?
The most rewarding part for me is being able to really raise my children how I want and not have to compromise on my beliefs with a full-time carer. Because I am home everyday with the children I can really get to know them and respond to their needs as I see best.
While being with them so much is a benefit I do feel like I am constantly attached to them, like an invisible elastic string. Even when I go out to do some errands or to go for a coffee with a friend, I always feel like I have this invisible string pulling me back to them, even if I know they are safe and happy.
Sarah Murphy, 2 children
What, if anything, do you miss, about your last job compared to this role?
Previous to motherhood, I was a model and an exercise enthusiast. I was just about to open my own fitness franchise before I got whisked off to Monaco to follow my boyfriend (now husband). Here we are almost four years later married with two beautiful girls. When the franchise fell through, as I was moving overseas, I had then hoped to get back into the modelling industry in Europe. I had once lived in Germany and modelled for many German and Swedish catalogues. But I fell pregnant! Oops! When I modelled the world was my oyster: I was flown around the world to shoot in the most amazing locations doing what I loved. Life was carefree, I didn’t have to think about anyone else but myself and my bank account was full! Now it’s spent on grocery bags full of nappies and milk.
I guess you could say I miss the freedom and the spontaneous lifestyle of my life pre-children. But I wouldn’t change this path of life for the world. My girls are my everything and I feel incredibly blessed to be their mother.
Stéphanie Dewerpe-Massey, mum of 3
What would be the best piece of advice you could give a woman deciding to become a stay-at-home mum?
When the kids are little, they’re exhausting and challenging so make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. It could be anyone: your partner, a parent, a nanny or a friend. Anybody who is willing to be there for you when you need to call out for help, that’s vital. Staying at home with your child is an adventure and like any adventure, is has its risks and worries. Having someone to listen to you or take over while you have a little nap or a break is crucial. Being a full-time mother is exhausting and it’s a special tiredness when all patience and poise vanish! So make sure you have someone there to support you when you need it.
For more on She Can He Can, visit their website. Article first published May 27, 2018.