What do you do as a SAHM? NOT a bashing thread!

[LydiaAch]

I've been a SAHM for almost the entire time I've had kids (4 years now). I wouldn't trade it for anything (I had the chance to go back to a lucrative career)...

It is HARD though. I have days where my self esteem dips because the kids have been difficult or I haven't gotten everything accomplished. Having a career gave constant reassurance that I was a valuable member of the team, I got positive feedback, etc. As a SAHM, you don't get that in an obvious form although the proof is happy, healthy kids.

I try to fill up my days with volunteering at the Y (I can bring the kids), going to library-sponsored activities (free!), and doing things locally like farm visits and trips to indoor playgrounds or sprinkler parks.

 

[Drewsmommybear]

I'd like to say that I am a full time SAHM but I am not in the position to do so. However, since I am a teacher and have most of the summer off, I consider myself a summer SAHM. I have to say that my time at home during the summer is almost more demanding than when I am teaching. During the school year, I can almost let some things slide. But right now, nothing slides. I feel the need to have three cooked from scratch meals, have a completely put together house (which isn't even close right now since I am only one week out of school), and make sure that my son is well entertained with creative crafts and learning activities as well as a ton of outside play.

Though I am so much happier when I am here with him, I always feel like there's so much more pressure as crazy as that sounds. Right now, I am also failing since we are eating poptarts in bed at 10:30 in the morning and watching cartoons. For those of you who do the SAHM gig full time, I envy you and I wonder if it every gets any easier.

 

[MinnieTink]

I agree with many posters that being a full time SAHM is really tough. I have found a great balance with my part time job. I was working 3 evenings a week--either my mom or husband would watch my kids. Now I work 2 full days a week, now that both my parents have retired. I would do another day, but my parents get tired after the two days running around with my 3 kids....So I will take what I can get. (I have been at the same job for 12 years, since my first was a year old. They have been so great for me, accomodating my changing schedules) I appreciate my time away from my kids, when they get to bond with their grandparents, and I REALLY appreciate that I am able to still spend loads of time with them. It is still a life of "something's gotta give" tho. We sacrifice having some material things and dinners out, etc, because I don't work so much. It is very much worth it tho. They are only small for such a short time, and kids need their mom!