I have been asked this question a LOT since becoming a foster or adoptive mom. I do have a lot of children, which people notice. But, the question is asked even when I'm out with just a few kiddos.

So, am I a daycare? Am I offended by the question?

First of all, *I*, as one stand-alone human form, am not a daycare. My body shape possesses no buildings, no staff.

Am I daycare teacher? Are these children in my daycare class? No, ma’am. They are mine. 24/7. I’m the mom.

Am I offended by the question? No. We are of a variety of skin colors. Most families are not. I understand an onlooker’s confusion then. Even when, at times, it is obvious that the interrogator is perhaps trying to be a little offensive, I try to remember to look at the question as a teaching opportunity.

I GET the chance to repeat: “No, ma’am. They are mine. 24/7. I’m the mom.” What greater honor could there be? I am their mother. Not “just” their teacher or “just” their babysitter. If the answer draws an occasional sneer, I try to remind myself of the high honor of the title “mom” and how much greater it is than any little ol’ sneer.

Once, I met with a VERY rude woman who, after hearing that the five kids I had with me were ALL mine, asked me another question. “Would you be offended if I offered to pay for your hysterectomy, then?” I never think of witty retorts until after the fact. In retrospect, I could have asked her for the money in cash? In check payable to myself? THEN, I could have put that cash toward another adoption? Ha! OR, I suppose I could have asked if SHE would have been offended if I’d offered to pay for her lobotomy??

Another time, at a fast food lunch, I was getting everyone drinks and a gentleman approached me. He said “I’ve been watching you with the children in the play yard. Are you a daycare?” This being the thousandth or so time that I’d been asked, I had my answer ready “No sir. They are mine. 24/7. I’m the mom.” His response: “Really? How wonderful! You are a very blessed lady!”

Yes, sir. They are mine. 24/7. And I am truly a very blessed lady!

Other blogs to read:
10 Things I Love About Adoption
10 Things I Never Imagined Myself Saying Before I Became An Adoptive Parent