What is a M.O.M. ?

Musings of a Mentor Mom

"Do You Work?"

first published in the February 2000 edition

of the Hearts at Home Magazine

"Do you work?" the grocery clerk casually asked as she glanced at the group of young children crowding through the checkout line with me.

"No." I meekly responded.

But wait . . . there was so much more I wanted to say.

Have you ever been asked that question?  How did you respond?

Society has bought into the misconception that mothers who choose to stay home with their children must lead a carefree, almost lazy, life with few responsibilities.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

As I've pondered this misconception, I've come to the conclusion that I am not "just a mom", I'm a Multi-level Organization Manager (or, M.O.M. for short).

What does a MOM do?  

The duties of a MOM are varied; the responsibilities change hourly.  A MOM is actually the perfect combination of many worthwhile careers.

Child Development Specialist:  

From the moment a newborn is placed in a MOM's arms, she is responsible for nurturing this precious child for the next 18+ years: physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  The early years are filled with meeting the physical demands.  The middle years bring a need for spiritual nurture and guidance in the awareness of a personal relationship with Christ.  And, the teen years provide many opportunities for nurturing the emotions of each soon-to-be young adult.  A MOM must be able to analyze the individual needs of each child at each stage of development.

Teacher:

Whether or not a MOM chooses to home educate her children, she has the responsibility to be their primary teacher.  A MOM may let someone else teach her children math, social studies, or piano lessons; but first she must teach them to share their toys and ride their bikes.  Then, a MOM must teach her children the truth of God's Word and how to apply it to their daily lives.  No one can assess the individual learning style of a child as well as a MOM can.

Nurse:

A MOM may let a physician stitch a cut forehead or cast a broken leg, but no one can replace a MOM's kisses for her children's "boo-boos", back rubs for their fevers, or hugs for their wounded spirits.

Nutritionist:

Many hours of a MOM's week are spent planning, shopping for, and preparing meals for her family.  The pizza delivery man may bring an occasional treat, but nothing can compare with Sunday's roast beef dinner, or a batch of MOM's homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Taxi Driver:

The bus driver may bring her children to and from school, but only an organized MOM can get each child to piano lessons, baseball practice, and Sunday School on time.

What are the Educational Requirements for becoming a MOM?  There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a MOM, but extensive training is recommended.  Many MOMs complete a college degree, only to discover that it doesn't apply to their future career responsibilities.

Apprenticeship opportunities provide the most comprehensive training program.  The most qualified MOMs usually begin their training at age 13, when their next door neighbor asks them to babysit.  A variety of apprenticeships usually follow thoughout the teen years.

What is the Salary Scale for a MOM?  A MOM's salary is tax free.  The IRS hasn't yet set formal regulations on the amount of hugs and kisses a MOM can receive each year.  However, MOMs usually reinvest their paychecks immediately; it is important to build their long-term stock portfolios for retirement.

Does a MOM receive any Benefits?  While a MOM doesn't receive paid vacation or insurance benefits, the job security is wonderful.  A MOM can't be fired, even if she becomes permanently disabled.  Once a woman has achieved the title of MOM, she cannot be easily replaced.

What are the opportunities for Career Advancement?  A MOM's career has unlimited advancement potential.  Each additional child brings many new challenges and rewards.  It takes many years of dedicated services to reach the top of the career ladder.  However, after 20+ years, a MOM usually moves into upper level management and achieves the status of "Grand-MOM".  This new position brings with it a whole new set of benefits and rewards.

So, the next time someone asks, "Do you work?" don't be discouraged.  All you need to say is, "I have the best career in the world!  I'm a Multi-level Organization Manager (or, MOM for short)."