Have you ever noticed how some stay-at-home moms have a complex? I have. But maybe that’s because I use to have a complex too.

Many of the stay-at-home moms that I know seem to have a complex about their worth. They say things like “I’m just a stay-at-home mom” and “I just take care of the kids. I don’t really contribute to the family income.” I use to say these same things, until I realized just how valuable I am as a stay-at-home parent.

And I’m not the only one that realizes my worth. Every year some accountant takes a stab at calculating what the monetary value of a mother would be if she had a salary. This year, Salary.com calculated the annual worth of an at-home-mother at $112,962. Here’s their logic behind the calculation:

“Stay-at-home moms work a total of 94.7 hours a week, with a 40-hour base and 54.7 hours of overtime on their mom duties. That’s good for an annual salary of $112,962, or $17.80 an hour. But we all know the value of raising one or more people into quality human beings cannot ever be truly calculated.” From What’s a Mom Worth in 2012? by Salary.com.

Well said, Salary.com!

But when we think about it, why should we need the endorsement of number crunchers to know the value of what we’re worth as moms? If you think you’re not valuable, just take a sick day from motherhood. Lie in bed and watch as your children are obscenely late for school, nobody makes it to ballet or soccer, everyone suffers from hunger pains (you know they can’t make their own breakfast, lunch and dinner!) and your husband scratches his head in a dazed stupor. Still doubt your worth? Then boycott kissing hurt boo-boos, checking homework, giving hugs, and reading bedtime stories for just a day. I guarantee your family will throw money at your feet just to have you back on the job.

Even though we may not know our worth, the truth is that everyone else does. It’s because of stay-at-home moms that thousands of little people grow up to be successful human beings. It’s because of stay-at-home moms that many working dads get to soar in their careers without a worry about how their families will be managed. It’s because of stay-at-home moms that schools have field trip chaperones and classroom helpers. It’s because of stay-at-home moms that dozens of worthy charities have volunteers during the day when they are most needed. We are worth a lot!

Next time you doubt you’re worth, think about the $112,962 calculation, laugh and know that your worth is immeasurable.

So mama, what do you think you’re worth?

Words: Yolanda Darville

Yolanda Darville is a mom, writer, and blogger focusing on philanthropy and empowering women.  Learn more about her on her blog www.bahamamommyinc.com.