The joys of a stay-home mom

Stay-at-home moms are becoming a rarity these days. Rising inflation and more opportunities for women in education and at work have made this possible.

Still, others find joy in staying at home and watching over their children 24/7. One of them is Cheska Garcia-Kramer.

For one, Cheska’s husband, PBA player Doug Kramer can provide for her and their children, Kendra, Scarlett and Gavin.

That’s why Cheska considers herself lucky. “I thank the Lord because I have the liberty to do that while other moms don’t,” she says.  

Besides, Cheska enjoys the sight and sound of her children at home, in school, in the mall — everywhere.

“I know why God gives seasons to everything,” she explains. “I have accepted those seasons. When my kids are sick, I sigh to myself and say, ‘I know, God why I need to be home.’”

She loves organizing the home — whose Asian contemporary look is a compromise between hers and her husband’s tastes.

Of course, Cheska has helpers. But she points out that they’re there to help, period. “They shouldn’t run your household.”

Cheska knows every ingredient that gets into the food on their dining table, because she and Doug spend time at the grocery’s healthy section to choose each item they bring home.

Cheska reads every ingredient listed at the back of the package to make sure her family eats healthy. Rice at home is black or brown. Meat is organic. Snacks consist of organic camote or chocolates. Sea salt makes the food not only tastier but healthier.

“Our household is 75 percent organic,” reveals Cheska. We have food we can’t let go off. But more or less, we’re conscious of what we eat.”

Upon a nutritionist’s advice, the Kramers bought an ozonator, a device that rids food of preservatives and other harmful ingredients. A Himalayan salt lamp provides a natural source of fresh air.

But Cheska knows she should also feed her children’s soul the way she nourishes their growing bodies. So she reads them inspiring Bible stories every single night.

The stories of David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, Jonah and Jesus’ miracles fascinate the Kramer kids the most.

“David and Goliath teaches them that strength is not based on how tall or how big you are,” smiles Cheska.

The Kramer children also know the Ten Commandments, and are gently reminded of them when they have lapses in behavior.

They also love to read.  Books are everywhere — in the master’s bedroom, the playroom and the children’s rooms, of course.

Cheska is proud to say Kendra is a bookworm.

“In Pasig, there’s a big scholastic warehouse. Every so often, the children go there and fill up a box with as many books as they want for P700. They try to outdo each other in filling up the box,” chuckles Cheska.

These are the simple joys she wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world.

“Being a stay-at-home mom offers no disadvantages,” she states. 

Cheska believes “your children are your biggest investment; you should be with them, because they’re only with you for such a short time.”

Before you know it, they already have families of their own and have flown the coop.

So Cheska adjusts her home-based business to her children’s schedule. She sets meetings when they’re in school. Then she fetches them up there when she’s done with meetings.

“What’s nice about the age of social media is that there  are so many things you can do, even if you’re a stay-at-home mom. Everyone is more connected than ever,” Cheska says. 

All you need, she goes on, is an Instagram account through which customers can send their orders. Then, voila! A mom can have the best of both worlds. She can take care of her family and earn as well.

Cheska is proving that staying at home with the children brings untold joy which time can never bring back, and rewards the future generation will forever be grateful for.