EP48: Working Moms vs Stay-at-Home Mom - Let’s Drop The Divide

In this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, Join she dives into the age-old discussion of "working moms vs stay-at-home moms"—but with a refreshing twist! Rather than fueling the divide, Ms. Amber highlights the importance of unity among all moms, whether they carry a briefcase or a diaper bag. She also shares personal stories from her own journey as both a stay-at-home mom and a working mom-turned-entrepreneur.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 01:00] Welcome to The ABCs of Preschool

• Introduction to the podcast and Ms. Amber’s mission to cover everything from parenting to child care, offering real, raw advice on how to thrive in the early years.

• Insights from Ms. Amber’s 25+ years of experience, as a mom and childhood expert.

[01:00 - 02:00] The Divide: Working Moms vs. Stay-at-Home Moms

• Amber reflects on her own experience as a new mom in the early 2000s and how the debate between working and stay-at-home moms affected her personally.

• She acknowledges the unspoken tension between these two "camps," emphasizing that regardless of career or home responsibilities, everyone is just trying to survive and do their best.

[02:00 - 04:00] Expectations vs. Reality

• Growing up, Amber imagined she’d be a stay-at-home mom, following her own mother’s footsteps. She envisioned the "perfect" stay-at-home life of cooking, cleaning, and managing everything.

• Reality struck when Amber became a stay-at-home mom for only four months before realizing it wasn’t fulfilling for her. She transitioned to a part-time job, which eventually led to entrepreneurship.

[04:00 - 06:00] Why the Stereotypes Need to Stop

• Whether a working mom or stay-at-home mom, Amber emphasizes that no one has it easy.

• She shares how both groups are overwhelmed by unrealistic stereotypes—working moms seen as superhuman jugglers and stay-at-home moms viewed as lounging around, neither of which reflect reality.

[06:00 - 08:00] The Challenges of Both Roles

• Amber discusses the guilt working moms face for missing out on moments with their children and the guilt stay-at-home moms experience for not contributing financially.

• Both roles come with significant sacrifices and challenges, and Amber urges listeners to stop the judgment and embrace their chosen paths.

[08:00 - 09:00] It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

• Life doesn’t always follow the script we plan, and Amber encourages moms to honor whatever path fulfills them, whether it’s working, staying at home, or a mix of both.

• A reminder that it’s okay to evolve and make decisions based on what’s best for you and your family, even if it wasn’t what you originally envisioned.

[09:00 - 12:00] The Importance of Self-Care

• Amber stresses the importance of self-care for both stay-at-home and working moms, recounting her own struggles with burnout and exhaustion.

• She shares practical tips on carving out personal time, whether it’s finding a few hours for yourself during the week or asking for help with childcare.

[12:00 - End] A Call for Unity

• Regardless of whether you’re a working mom or stay-at-home mom, Amber reminds listeners that all moms experience moments of frustration, guilt, and exhaustion.

• A heartfelt message that we’re all just one meltdown away from locking ourselves in the bathroom for a good cry—and that’s okay. We’re all in this together.

 

If you liked this episode of The ABCs of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

 

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com 

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool and the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

 

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Whether you’re a working mom or a stay at home mom, no one has it easy.” - Ms. Amber

“If we’re not filling our own cup, how can we be the best versions to our kids?” - Ms. Amber

“More of us women need to lift each other up and not go behind each other’s back and talk, talk, talk...” - Ms. Amber

“We need to acknowledge, if it’s not working for you, it’s okay to change your mind and do the opposite.” - Ms. Amber