16 years ago while pregnant with our first child, we became a one income family as hubby and I decided I would not return to the workforce from maternity leave, instead taking on the new role of a stay-at-home mom.
This was not a decision we took lightly and viewed it as a blessing and privilege, but not without sacrifice. At times, I wondered if we had made the right choice and would often feel guilty for being at home and not contributing to our finances. But hubby would always reassure me that no amount of money could buy his peace of mind of knowing our children were safe at home with me and he would often remind me that a stay-at-home mom was a 24 hour/day job and I worked harder than he did.
In my heart I always knew that being a mom and dedicating all of my time and effort to our little ones during their formative years was what I was supposed to do and to this day I have no regrets.
But as the kiddies got older and would depend on me less, I found myself once again feeling guilty for not contributing and so I took on a couple of odd jobs that would allow me to bring the kids with me, such as teaching art lessons a couple of times a week. The rest of the time, I overcompensated my feelings of ‘guilt’ by keeping our home spotless. And when I say spotless, I mean I was annoyingly obsessed with cleaning. Let’s just say some in my family gave me the nickname ‘Monica’ (from Friends).
Fast forward a few years to launching my blog and realizing that being creative can be a messy and time consuming task. Many don’t realize the amount of work and effort that goes into keeping sites like this going and I don’t mean sweat pouring hard manual work per se. Having an online business is not a 9-to-5 position as it typically doesn’t shut off and you could quite easily work around the clock if you allowed yourself to (case in point, I’m writing this posts at 11:35pm on Sunday).
This is by no means a complaint as I love what I do and consider myself very blessed to have the opportunity to create and share. The reality is that as this little space has grown, so too have my responsibilities to you, brands, places I contribute etc., which leaves very little time to well, clean.
Don’t get me wrong, I still try to keep our home tidy and often times will clean after everyone has gone to bed. So imagine my delight when the kind folks at Bobsweep contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to review their robotic vacuum sweetly called, bObi Pet.
In my mind, I thought “you want me to try out a robot that will do the mopping and vacuuming for me? Ummm, yes please.”
As you may know, I don’t often do reviews on my blog and if I do, it’s only after I’ve tested the product and believe it would add value to our home. So after doing a little research, here “she” is.
We haven’t had “her” for too long, but as it turns out, our entire family is fascinated by our new bObi.
Getting our kids to do housework is a daily chore, yet they’re all arguing over who will control the remote, which in my book is brilliant. You can use the remote or simply can program bObi to start at a certain time and set boundaries as to where you want it to clean. bObi also finds its own way to its charging station once its battery capacity reaches 15% – genius.
Like any vacuum, you do need to move chairs out of the way, unless your kids are master controllers like our son has become.
PROS:
– You can set it to vacuum, mop and disinfect a room at a specific time. So while I make the bed, this cute little thing is vacuuming the floor for me. Sometimes I feel like saying thank you!
– It also has an extra-strength vacuum to get pet hair out of carpet, which as you know is perfect for us because of Brody. This is going to be a very welcome feature for us during the Spring and Fall, when Brody’s shedding is at its peak.
– It uses it’s UV light to disinfects.
CONS:
– Though not complicated , you do need to learn how to operate her, but once you do, it’s the neatest little thing. It kinda is like having a little pet.
– I did find that it got ‘stuck’ where the carpet lifts a little, but it was fun to watch it tenaciously trying to climb over it until it did.
– The bObi Pet is an investment, but as they say, time is money and it does save me time by allowing me to multi-task.
Overall, our family has welcomed bObi into our home, although Brody is still a little unsure of what to think about this new ‘pet’ of ours. Especially as I coincidentally call Brody ‘Bobbi’ sometimes (don’t ask, I just give my pets nicknames). I am now eagerly waiting on Bobsweep to make a robotic laundry folder that puts clothes away. Ha
Thank you so much for stopping by today. Wishing you a beautiful start to your week.
much love,
Lucy
* Disclosure: As mentioned in the post, I was provided product in exchange for this post however all opinions expressed within are my own.
Dear Lucy.
Thank you for your review of this neat product. I just
may have to add a new pet to our home.
Thank you for your review of this
product. Maybe my teenage sons
would be inspired to embrace this
new pet. I just might have to add
this new pet to our family.
So cool! I’ve always wanted to try something like this… with 3 little ones and a dog I could pretty much vacuum all day long and still see dirt, haha! I’ll definitely have to take a look at this!
I figure I can use all the help I can get cleaning up after my dog, I have several vacuums. However even my stick vacuum, which I think is excellent for quick clean ups, gets full of hair from a once around the kitchen and family room. This looks small, does it need to be emptied often?
My husband and I have often talked about investing in one of these, but have wondered how efficient they would be. We just may have to re-evaluate.
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
I have worked as a substitute in my chosen field since we have had children–we have never had to put our children in childcare because I would work either when my husband was at home, or, later, when they were both in school. I still occasionally struggle with guilt over not contributing more to our finances–but it has been a blessing and has worked well for us. I appreciate your being candid with your struggles with being a stay-at-home mom. It’s good to know I’m not alone in feeling as I do.
I love how you felt guilty about being a stay at home mom but you were one anyway. When I was growing up, everyone I knew had a stay at home mom. All the men went to work and the mom’s stayed home. Day care was unheard of. They had something called Nursery School but it wasn’t available everywhere. I think this is what turned into preschool, although nursery school might have been more of a day care then a preschool.
My dad worked about 5 min. from home. He literally could have walked to work. My grandfather had an appliance repair shop and store and that’s where my dad worked until my grandfather retired and then my dad took the store over. Mom raised 3 girls and when my youngest sister went to Kindergarten, my mom got a part time job so she could be home when we all got home from school. Would you believe that at 88 she still works at that same job but instead of full time which she did years later, she works 2 days a week? Her boss treats her like a queen and he is the best boss ever!
I love those robotic vacuums but the one you have I have never beard of before. I think you can only get it in Canada. What I always worry about is that its like a computer and what happens when it breaks down? Who fixes it? We have one vacuum cleaner store and the guy who runs it is an older gentlemen. I wonder if he would be able to fix it? I like how well it works and that would be a plus for me. No more wacuuming!
I looked at getting one of these but when trying one I always felt like I had to go over and make sure that it was all clean and done properly.
Wow! I want one!! What a fun cleaning tool, totally worth the investment.
Anna 🙂
Hey Lucy
Your new pet BOBI is fine and cute surely. You also using the robot floor cleaner to pick up the pet hair, that also fine. Could yo please advise about the capability of picking up the hair on and in the carpet. You know that it is essential to clean them for preventing the allergy-related sickness.
Please advise me regarding this issue.
Thanks.
Mopping Robot
I would work either when my husband was at home, or, later, when they were both in school. I still occasionally struggle with guilt over not contributing more to our finances–but it has been a blessing and has worked well for us.dog bed wholesale
He literally could have walked to work. My grandfather had an appliance repair shop and store and that’s where my dad worked until my grandfather retired and then my dad took the store over. Cheap Dog Dresses
I still occasionally struggle with guilt over not contributing more to our finances–but it has been a blessing and has worked well for us.Bengal cats & kittens
Unfortunately, this is enough to knock toddlers off their feet. Some behaviourists suggest sending them for a time out on their doggy bed if they misbehave like that. Lost pets
It’s great to have a pet i think your don’t need friends when you have pets because they are loyal they know you very well .
Interesting idea, but the dog will eventually lose interest if he isn’t able to catch the hot dog once in a while. It’s the same thing with toy rope tug of war; you have to let them win sometimes.Dog Car Seat Cover
I can understand not agreeing with our government and our international actions, but as a people I happen to believe we are a-okay. Most of the time. Eco-friendly Promotional gifts
I appreciate your being candid with your struggles with being a stay-at-home mom. It’s good to know I’m not alone in feeling as I do.best cat toys
with 3 little ones and a dog I could pretty much vacuum all day long and still see dirt, haha! I’ll definitely have to take a look at this!outdoor pet house
I still occasionally struggle with guilt over not contributing more to our finances–but it has been a blessing and has worked well for us.Cream Champions
You also using the robot floor cleaner to pick up the pet hair, that also fine. Could yo please advise about the capability of picking up the hair on and in the carpet. best pets vacuum
or this reason, children are naturally interested in animal companionship in one way or another.super1234
But, it makes a huge difference to the life of that one adopted animal to come to a loving home.Cat
Great article! It can be a massive responsibility for a kid to have a pet especially getting a dog. Great life lesson for kids to learn.Pet Products
He literally could have walked to work. My grandfather had an appliance repair shop and store and that’s where my dad worked until my grandfather retired and then my dad took the store over.Online surgical tech courses
Cats are wonderful pets. They are very cute and sweet and very gentle too. I have many friends who have cats as their pets. Cats are bubbly and lively too. mini poedel
I read the article and overall thought it was good. I could only criticise that the photos are in the wrong place. I read the article and overall thought it was good. I could only criticise that the photos are in the wrong place.political satire
I never would have thought to do burritos that way, but it sounds good! We also like to do baked potatoes. I haven’t got them down to a science yet, so I don’t really have any clue how long to cook them.flying with dog
Lack of training is solely responsible for the exhibition of such behavior. So, training is really essential which helps a pet to understand certain signs and sounds developed by the owner.Cat Sitter
Some behaviourists suggest sending them for a time out on their doggy bed if they misbehave like that. puppies
I figure I can utilize all the assistance I with canning get tidying up after my canine, I have a few vacuums. Anyway, even my stick vacuum, which I believe is magnificent for quick clean-ups, gets loaded with hair from a once around the kitchen and family room. This looks little, does should it be discharged frequently?Parti Yorkie
However, even my stick vacuum, which I think is excellent for quick clean-ups, gets full of hair from a once around the kitchen and family room.Pet Products
Unfortunately, this is enough to knock toddlers off their feet. Some behaviourists suggest sending them for a time out on their doggy bed if they misbehave like that. Don’t let any of your pets climb into the baby’s crib. Pets need a bedtime routine as much as we do, so make sure they know where their own bed is.gift for friend who lost dog
Quality content is the main driver for users to go see a site and that’s what this website is providing. Thank you!
guppies
Hi
Although not very filling. But kids really seem to like them. The meatless hot dogs are a much healthier alternative to regular hot dogs, but after all these years you would think that somebody would come up with something that tastes almost as good as a real hot dog.dog treat pouch
Today’s digi-pets are almost as good as the real thing and are a great way to encourage kids to be responsible for feeding and looking after an animal. One key benefit of a robot dog toy over a real dog, is that you won’t have to deal with the poos! shar pei dog mini
My grandfather had an appliance repair shop and store and that’s where my dad worked until my grandfather retired and then my dad took the store over.dog stories
Your family will also have a very loyal and loving pet to take care of him and he will have a loving and loyal family to take care of for himself. Best wishes with the puppy transition.fancy guppy fish
You also using the robot floor cleaner to pick up the pet hair, that also fine. Could yo please advise about the capability of picking up the hair on and in the carpet. https://fromtheheartdogs.com/
Pet owners can help avoid burns by choosing other surfaces to walk on or by walking their pets in the morning or evening. Test the surface by placing your hand just above the ground. Be careful of asphalt. Asphalt or metal surfaces can get extremely hot in the summer and can burn paws and reflect heat back on your pet.thepetagrees
An automatic dog food dispenser offers convenience by automating feeding schedules and portion control. This device ensures your pet receives timely and measured meals, making pet care more efficient and hassle-free for busy pet owners. automatic dog food dispenser
An automatic dog feeder is a convenient device designed to dispense predetermined portions of food for dogs at scheduled times. It ensures regular and controlled feeding, offering convenience for pet owners and promoting a consistent feeding routine for their dogs. CBD for Cats
We all recognize benefits of turmeric and few different herbs for curing irritation and different issues in human but it’s far useful for pets, am gaining knowledge of this first time. CBD for Cats
I can totally relate to your experience of being a stay-at-home mom, especially the part where you felt guilty for not financially contributing. It’s such a tough balance between wanting to be there for your kids and feeling like you should be doing more in other areas. It’s amazing how much of a full-time job it is, and your husband’s reassurance that you were contributing in such a vital way really resonated with me.
I also went through something similar when my kids got older, and I started finding ways to contribute while keeping up with home life. Finding the right balance can be tricky! It’s great that you found art lessons and blogging as outlets for your creativity.
And I have to say, I’m with you on the cleaning obsession! A spotless home was how I used to deal with my own guilt too, but these days, I’m learning to let go of the perfection. Having tools like a robotic vacuum to help makes a world of difference, doesn’t it? I’ve been researching pet-friendly vacuums too, since we have a dog who sheds like crazy. I also found that products like k9 advantix ii vs frontline plus are lifesavers for dealing with flea and tick prevention during peak shedding seasons.
I can’t wait for the day when they invent a robot to fold laundry too! 😉