The kids' elementary school has been talking about the "destinations" in their futures. They take a well rounded approach in that there is more to your future then just your career. They focus on four "destinations": home and family, hobbies and recreation, education and career, and community and service. After sending in an application, I was picked to speak to 3rd through 5th grade about being a Stay-at-home Mom, as part of the home and family category. I loved it! It was a lot of fun. This is a topic that has always been important to me so I want to share my presentation here as well!
I'm Marissa Palmer. When I was a kid, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world. (At one point, I actually wanted to be the first female president! ) So I decided make a difference by becoming a teacher. I went to school and eventually taught first grade, but I felt like something important was missing. For me, that important thing was my family and more specifically being with my kids. So I decided to quit teaching and be a stay at home mom. Some of the things that I do can be found in my "Mom Bag" and I carry this with me EVERY WHERE.
Scriptures: Every morning we pray and read scripture together, and I get to teach my family about faith and our religion.
Cheerios: Then we eat breakfast. Sometimes it is Cheerios. Sometimes it's green smoothies or sometimes bacon and eggs. I love to cook so I also make everyone's lunches, dinners, and snacks. I get to teach my family how to eat healthy and how to make healthy choices. I love teaching them how to cook too.
Pull up: I have a two year old that is still being potty trained so I get to change a lot of dirty diapers. However I get to teach my kids important life skills, like using the toilet, brushing their hair, tying their shoes, and not losing their homework.
Shorts: Everyone needs clean clothes, so I wash laundry everyday. I love helping the little kids to learn how to get dressed, and watching as they develop their own style.
Hand sanitizer: This represents cleaning. Yes, part of my job is cleaning the house but I also get to teach my kids how to be clean by brushing their teeth and washing their hands. I also teach them how to help clean by giving them chores and teaching them to help clean messes.
Wallet: I have to go shopping often. Sometimes it is for fun things like toys and clothes but usually it is for food. I have to make sure that we have the money we need for the things we need, so I have to be careful how we spend money. I also teach my kids how to save and budget the money that they earn.
Keys: I have to take everyone where they need to go, like school and soccer games.
Bandaid: When someone gets hurt or sick I take care of them. Sometimes that requires a Bandaid, but sometimes they need a hug and someone to listen.
Book: I get to read a lot. Bed time and nap time stories, homework, and newsletters. I get to teach my kids to read and learn, but my favorite part is reading to them.
Toy: I get to play with my kids, and while we play I try to teach them how to be kind and share. Not many people have the time to play, so I know that I am lucky there.
There are many more parts to my job, after all it is something I do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There are no vacations but I love it and I know I am making a difference. I'm reminded by one of my favorite quotes, "To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world. " I know that I am making a world of difference in the lives of my four little children and to me, that will make a difference in the world.
