Is is "hard" being a sahm?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2004
Is is "hard" being a sahm?
2242
Sat, 04-24-2004 - 1:25pm
For many years now, I have heard the claim that being a sahm is the hardest job in the world. I never chimed in, because I didn't know first hand. I stayed home for 6 weeks when my twin daughters, Sophia and Stephanie (almost 4) were born. And that was hard, because I had 2 newborns. Now, almost 4 years later, I have resigned my job and am staying home again. I can god-honestly say that I don't know what's so hard about this. I personally feel like I am on easy street, but maybe that's because I haven't been at it that long. I feel like I am on vacation. It takes no longer than a couple hours a day to do the housework, and the rest of the time is free time for me and the girls. We have gone to the park, the zoo, chuck e cheeses, and I know not every day is going to be like this, but I feel like I am making up for lost time. My children seem happy and relaxed. The only hard thing about this is that they have gotten into some pretty raging fights with each other, but the fights have ended with quick intervention. I guess I am just wondering how long before this becomes "The hardest job in the world" and I start looking like a zombie, complaining that my husband doesn't help me, and so on? Or do I seriously have the choice not to turn into that? Also, do you think that at the rate I am going, I am at risk for getting bored staying home?

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-28-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:19pm
I'm so sorry. I hope things work out for the best for you and your kids.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2004
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:19pm
I have been a sahm now for eight years and am thankful that I am able to be home with my children. I quit when my oldest went into Kindergarten, so I have personally experienced both ends of the spectrum. To me, the rewards are great. I was in the "honeymoon" stage, too, for about a year. But, I guess what miss are the following: time alone, even though it was only 45 minutes, twice a day, in the car; lunches with my work buddies; completing a job and receiving praise for it; adult conversation. I DO NOT miss: pantyhose; the morning rush; worrying about what I am going to do if my children get sick; and worrying about childcare. I love: being my own boss; spending time with and being the main influence in my chilren's lives; going on fieldtrips and helping out in the classroom.

No one knows what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes--so we women need to quit making comparisions and argueing over what is the easier way to go. Both have their pros and cons, challenges and rewards. I think it's more personal experience and inner happiness that count.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:32pm
What did you do when you WOH?

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:35pm

"I

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:42pm
Even with kids as old as mine (21,19 and 14) I find that getting up early is the best way to get alone time. Since they now go to bed after I do I no longer get that time in the evening so have to get it in the morning.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:46pm
I'm sorry.

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:52pm
this is a debate board...
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:54pm
(This in not in reply to you, Holly but I was trying to find a good place put it in).

My lunch "hour" today. I clock out, as I was walking to the frig to get my lunch my name came over the loud speaker. So I walk all the way up front. One of the sales reps has a question about next weeks schedule. I don't know the answer so I walk back to where I had just left to talk to the person that does know the answer and then walk back up front to relay the info. I get my lunch out of the frig and put in the microwave and go sit down for 4 minutes while it cooks. When the timer goes off I go back to the microwave, as I am getting my lunch out a co-worker comes and we have more discussion about next weeks schedule. I go, sit down, eat my lunch then I clock back in. My lunch "hour" was a total of about 15-20 mintues during which 5 of that I spent working (and not getting paid for it).

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:55pm
Actually, you are right, but I didn't want to say that lest I have to spend the next 2 weeks explaining myself ;)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 4:59pm
I totally disagree. Maybe it's different with Italian men, but my DH relies heavily on his brothers and friends for emotional support.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

Pages