"Mom, this is the best bagel I’ve ever had!" I started to correct her, to tell her that these weren’t bagels at all, but a new thing called donuts … but then I decided not to. I would let her go on for awhile longer, thinking that these "good bagels" were a great new discovery. Now, a year later, instead of changing her vocabulary, we all call donuts "good bagels."

Labels may not seem important on the surface, but how many times have you described yourself as "just a mom?" Be careful that you don’t diminish your role as a mom, and if you’re a WAHM, as a businesswoman too. We’re breaking new ground here, not many people are aware of the opportunities for working from home, and what a great solution it can be for families today.

When people ask "What do you do?’ or "Do you work?" do you find yourself at a loss for words? Have an answer ready, these questions are great opportunities to enlighten others about the wonderful world of working at home.

To an outsider, it may appear that you have loads of free time, you are home all day after all. How many people know about the frenzy of activity that goes on behind closed doors? With the internet, we’re able to communicate with people all over the world. There are moms who are running huge businesses from their homes, who on the surface, appear to be "just a mom."

So, if you’re a WAHM, don’t be afraid to claim your title, you’re a businesswoman, a business owner. Because, like it or not, labels do matter, they have an effect on our self-image and the opinions of those we meet.

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, and a donut doesn’t become health food just by calling it a bagel. But a Work At Home Mom deserves all the credit she can get. So wear your label proudly, Mom, WAHM, whatever you prefer, you deserve it.

Cheryl Demas creates a weekly cartoon/column for Work At Home Moms. She also publishes WAHM.com - The Online Magazine for Work At Home Moms. Contact Cheryl through her web site, or email: chdemas@aol.com © 1999 Cheryl Demas