Motherhood Chronicles: Why I decided to be a black stay-at-home mom

I have always known I wanted to be a wife and mother. From a young age, I possessed a nurturing spirit. I was the girl in high school who embraced sewing, cooking, and all things domestic. When I found out I was pregnant with Catherine, I knew I wanted to stay home and focus on my family.

Before having Catherine, I was a preschool teacher (I love children). I also was very involved in church activities an possessed a entrepreneurial spirit. Attending college, creating a business and even organizing a young adult conference, I was and still remain a driven and passionate person. However, once Catherine was born, I made the decision to slow down and stay home. This decision was not met with enthusiasm by all. While my husband was very supportive, my sister and other family members let me know they were not pleased with my decision. It was as if becoming a stay-at-home mom would make me less smart.

Historically, black women do not stay at home. This made my decision to stay-at-home even more isolating and frowned upon. I read a article that states black women are half as likely as white women to stay at home with their children. I believe this is due to social and economic challenges that have plagued the African American Community. Many African American mothers simply did not have a choice. They had to go to work to support there families.

My mother was unable to stay at home with my siblings and I. Working as a professional educator and counselor for over 32 years, she helped support our family financially. I am forever grateful for my mother and all of the sacrifices she made for me to have a better life.

I chose to become a stay-at-mom because I wanted to focus on my family. I want to be my child's first teacher and ensure that she has all of the skills and tools she needs to make it in this often crazy world.  Financially, I had the option to stay at home and I encourage those who do to consider it.

I don't want to start the mommy wars or race wars. I want to start a discussion that ultimately uplifts motherhood. One that shows young women they can be educated, passionate, and talented and make a huge mark on the world working  in or outside the home.

Each month I  plan to discuss the issues of being a stay-at-home mom from the African American perspective in the Motherhood Chronicles. I hope you follow and join the discussion.