Kid Scoop
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Work-From-Home Parent
About 6 months ago I transitioned from a stay-at-home parent to now a work-from-home parent. My days usually consist of working about 5+ hours a day and taking care of my three children, the house and all that comes with in between. My kids are not yet in full time school so I have them all home more than half the week — it’s an interesting balance struggle.
There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to understanding exactly what a work-from-home parent does. It’s a non-traditional way of earning a living and with that comes a lot of questions from people who don’t really understand it. There are some incredible perks about working from home, but like with anything — there are some things that are a constant struggle too.
Click through for 10 things you should NEVER say to a work-from-home parent
Photo Credit: photostock
:: Tell me — what is something people have said to you? Which is the worst? ::
Read more from Devan on Accustomed Chaos & Unspoken Grief
Follow Devan on Facebook and Twitter for all updates!
Want more? Find me on Being Pregnant
Get the latest updates from Kid Scoop - Like Us on Facebook!
MORE ON BABBLE:
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Stay-at-home Parent
A Book for Kids That Teaches HOW Babies Are Made. Appropriate?
How to Fix Common Things Kids Ruin
Go Back To Kid Scoop
7 Comments
Anonymous commented on Feb 26 12 at 9:47 pmThe worst things people say aren’t even directed at the fact that I’m a WAHM, necessarily. They say things like, “I never get my laptop out when my kids are awake” or “If my kids are around, they are 100% my focus.” As a WAHM it just doesn’t work that way. I stop to read them books when they ask and there are days that we just go out and have fun and I don’t work. We have breakfast and lunch together and story time before naps. So we have plenty of time together. But the reality is, yes, sometimes I am on my laptop (okay, often) when they are awake. I drop in and check it at least every hour even if I’m playing with them or doing chores because I HAVE to — it’s the nature of my job. I also do have a mother’s helper come in a few hours a week and that’s when I do my most focused work.
But, yeah…I don’t like it when parents imply that you have to be 100% focused on your kids or else you’re not being a good parent.
lori commented on Feb 28 12 at 6:41 pmI have been trying to find a work at home job..
Elizabeth Rago commented on Feb 28 12 at 10:33 pmI have family members who send me job openings and will not accept the fact that I am paid to be a freelance writer. I also get the comment, “you’re so lucky” quite a bit, like my business magically landed in my lap. I have a 5 yo, 3yo and a 7 week old! Hooray for stay at home working parents!!!
Elizabeth Rago commented on Feb 28 12 at 10:37 pmI forgot to add that a bulk of my work is accomplished nights and weekends, which people find odd as well when I turn down social invitations because of work…
Amy commented on Feb 29 12 at 1:15 am@ Lori ……I may have a great solution for you!! Look me up on Facebook under Amy Roy and private message me. I can give u the details. Won’t take a lot of your time but it’s def worth for ya to check it out if u r serious about trying to work out of your home. Hope to be hearing from you…..or anyone else that is interested in working out of your home :)
Matt commented on Feb 29 12 at 7:49 amI’m a WAHD and most people stil laugh a bit under their breath. Studies show that children develop increased emotional stability with a WAHD. We make accommodations in our life so we don’t need to use day care…much.
lori commented on Feb 29 12 at 10:28 amI can not seem to find you Amy Roy..
Add your take:
Note: Babble is a supportive, diverse community. We encourage a range of opinions,
but any unduly hostile comments will be removed.
Comments are delayed up to 15 minutes
Kacy Faulconer 
Marinka 
DadCAMP 
Jen at PIWTPITT 
Mandy Cheney 
Stacie Haight Connerty 
Devan McGuinness 
Lori Garcia 
Meghan Gesswein 
Amber Doty 
Casey Mullins 
The Walt Disney Company supports Babble as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent and open conversation about parenting. However, the opinions expressed on this site are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Disney. In addition, content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or safety advice.
7