It's not easy transitioning from being a student to being a full time mom. Student life for me required relentless hours of studying, reading, and teaching in addition to regular "mom" activities (laundry, cleaning house, dr. appointments, etc. etc. etc.).
Since graduation the butter on my toast has gone from being spread too thin to melting over the crust and gooing up my hands.
I went from feeling guilty for not seeing my children to hearing the word "Mom" 900 times a day. I often imagine that my name is "Joe" so I don't have to reply to the relentless cries.
The next "gig" I have starts in a couple of weeks and I will be back to being the working parent. I would like to say the thought of leaving my almost 9 month old brings me to tears. But it doesn't. In fact, I think I am a better mother when I am busy. I enjoy my children more. It may have something to do with the fact that when I work I don't have to watch My Little Pony and Cinderella on repeat all day (I don't like winter), or maybe it's because I haven't spent several hours on Pinterest comparing myself to the unrealistic standards I have set for myself on my "To Do..." board.
I only bring this up because while I was substituting the other day I over heard a women telling someone that it was so sad that "women now-a-days aren't stay at home moms". I think the GIANT misconception here is that women who work, don't spend any time with their children. When quite frankly, the same thing can be said about the stay at home mom.
It's all about time management.
Fill your life with the things that matter first.
If supporting your family falls on the shoulders of mom or dad, or mom AND dad then so what? If you want your children to know you love them, then they will be your "big rocks" and they will know you love them.
