Former stay-at-home mom hilariously explains why it was no walk in the park as many believe it to be

There is a debate on whether stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) have a tougher job than those working in the corporate sector or similar industries. While each has their struggles, it is a known fact that a SAHM has more than one role to adhere to. With tantrums, food, bathing, diapers, drama and more ensuing daily, being a full-time caretaker to your kids takes a lot out of a person. While the debate stands, TikTok mom Shay—who goes on the platform by the username @shayjo21—hilariously gave a brief idea of what it is like to actually be a stay-at-home mom.

She posted a video in reply to another woman's video who was expressing her desire to be a SAHM where she could "bake some cute muffins and buy some throw pillows." Shay replied to this video, clarifying that she had no issue with the woman's perspective. She mentioned that she was just like her too. "I couldn't wait to stay at home and spend time with my kids. I thought it would be the best job ever. I thought it was easy," Shay said. Then, she explained this was more or less the genuine idea most women had due to its portrayal by social media moms.

Shay mentioned that she fantasized about being a SAHM because she did not have kids at the time. She also took a guess, saying the woman in the video did not have children. "She said something about baking muffins with her children and buying throw pillows. Let me tell you something that's 30 seconds of someone's life," she said. Then, Shay got on with the hard facts. "Bake a muffin with a child... Have you met a child?" Shay sarcastically asked. She continued by saying, "If you've met a child, you know that's a bad idea because I've tried it and my daughter had flour in her hair for a week."

Further revealing the crazy reality of being SAHM, Shay mentioned that throw pillows are not as aesthetic as you would think. "Throw pillows, my son punches and kicks them. My daughter shitted on the last one, I had to throw it out," Shay hysterically revealed. Despite her humorous warning and tone, you could tell that she was not playing. "It is not easy being a SAHM. It is hard work," she explained. Also, she said that the woman in the video said she didn't want to be a girl boss or the breadwinner of her family. "But my stay-at-home experience was harder than any job at management I've ever had," Shay revealed.

Shay then underlined a core factor that most moms-to-be or others miss, which leads them to the illusion that SAHMs have it pleasant and fun. "My job is structured, I know exactly what I'm going to get into. Being an SAHM is exhausting, repetitive and lonely," she said. She further mentioned that although she had a supportive partner, it was still tough. Shay concludes with: "If you're fantasizing about being a SAHM, you don't have children, you haven't met a child."

Letting out a chuckle she also mentioned, "Have a couple of kids and let us know how that worked out." @nonaesthetical.momlife said, "I was a SAHM till my kids were 10 years of age. Looking back I'm like, 'Woah, I survived!'" @highheartmama said, "I'm in it with two little ones. I always simultaneously say it's the most over and under-stimulating experience."