SAHMs: can't do anything right

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2005
SAHMs: can't do anything right
855
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 8:11am

I've noticed in the lifestyles thread that almost everything SAHM's do is immediately knocked down or one-upped. I don't see that the same is true for the WOHM's on the thread. Some examples:

If a SAHM cleans the house during the day, she isn't spending quality time with her children, or any more time with her children than do WOHM's. If she doesn't clean the house, she is being overinvolved with her children and interacting too much with them; she's not giving them time for free play.

If a SAHM teaches her children, she is an overachiever who is trying to produce an Einstein, not allowing her children to develop at their own rate, buying into commercialism. If she doesn't teach her children, she is just leaving them to their own devices while she gets "me time" or isn't providing them with the opportunities that daycare or preschool provides.

If a SAHM tries to socialize her children by letting them interact with other children on a regular basis, that's very nice, but kids of WOHM's in day care get MORE interaction, which is obviously BETTER. If a SAHM doesn't plan plenty of socialization activities, she isn't preparing her children for school.

If a SAHM tries to schedule regular activities and outings for her children, she's producing "jaded" children, forgoing a routine, "working too hard," wasting time driving around, and not providing enough time for her children to explore and investigate their own environment. If she doesn't schedule regular activities and outings, then her children are deprived of the many wonderful, exciting experiences that all day cares have to offer.

***

So tell me, WOHM's, is there anything short of returning to work that SAHM's could do right?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2005
Mon, 12-11-2006 - 11:18pm

And that DD is IMMENSELY PROUD that mom outearns dad.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 5:36am
What I have stated has been defended. Please read my posts.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 5:38am
Anything is possible. The question is is it probable.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 5:39am
Yes. There are extreme situations where parents aren't there that I consider not to be good for kids but that does not imply I think I'm better than everyone else. I think abusing kids is bad too. Do you think that makes me better than everyone else?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 5:40am
I don't recall saying that. Please link to the post.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2005
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 7:49am
My Mom worked (still does) and my BMI is 17.5. I guess I don't help prove the study right!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 7:53am
n/t
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 7:55am
Well there you have it. You just categorized working too many hours and abuse in the same statement. Yes I do think you believe you are a better parent than a parent that works a lot of hours. Since you feel that parents should work less and spend more time with their children I guess in your POV I must be a better parent than you. I mean hey...I am with my children more hours than yourself. <> I am a big fan of quality not quantity.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2000
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 8:19am
Judging from my experience with those around me, I'd say it is probable. Perhaps in your corner of the world, it is different. As I've said here before, in my generation and my parents' generation, I know very few women who were/plan to be career SAHMs. Of my mother's friends, there was only one. As for those mothers I know, of those who have not yet re-entered the workforce, everyone I have talked to plans to go back to work at some point.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Tue, 12-12-2006 - 1:22pm

So, what is unique about sahms?


PumpkinAngel

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