Mother writes emotional post about struggles of being a stay-at-home parent

'Your entire existence now revolves around that child'

Mother writes honest post about struggles of being a stay-at-home parent (Stock)

A mother has opened up about the loneliness and difficulties of being a stay-at-home parent in a post that has resonated with thousands.

Bridgette Armstrong, from Minnesota, has been a stay-at-home mum since her now-18-month-old daughter was just five months old. However, in a recent Facebook post, which included a photo of herself crying, she discussed the “truth” about the role - that it can be “f***ing lonely and overwhelming”.

Acknowledging that many people think being a stay-at-home parent is “easy,” Armstrong said that, in reality: “You can’t do anything by yourself; go to the bathroom, enjoy a cup of coffee, read, hell you can’t even scrub the sh** out of pants for the third time in a day without someone crying or screaming at your leg.”

The mum then proceeded to list all of the daily things that stay-at-home parents struggle with, including coming up with “ways to entertain someone for literally 12 hours a day every day” and forgetting “what it means or feels like to be an individual”.

“You lock yourself in the bathroom and scream into a towel while crying because you need a second to breathe; all the while a child is banging on the door to get in…” she continued. “Let that sink in, most of us don’t even have the luxury to cry and be frustrated in peace… and when we do break down, people question it like ‘what do you have to cry about you get to sit home all day.’”

According to Armstrong, prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother, she didn’t realise just how difficult a job it is - but said: “I get it now”.

Armstrong concluded the post writing: “My house isn’t clean, I’m not clean, the dishes aren’t done, I have screamed already today, I have cried, and I have felt so damn guilty that my child was here to witness it.

“But I am alone… and I am lonely. Check in on your SAHM friends… we are NOT okay.”

The post, which has since been liked more than 22,000 times and shared more than 67,000 times, has prompted an outpouring of support from other stay-at-home parents.

“I wish I could hug you,” one person commented. “Stay strong Mum. You’re not alone. There’s many of us in the world. We got this!”

Another said: “I’ve been there and I definitely feel your pain… Being a mother is hard.”