Comments on: What does a SAHM do all day?

By: Sharon M

Sharon M — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:27:01 +0000

Shawna,
As a SAHM in a country half way across the world from family, friends, and TexMex, I can sympathize. I have two young ones (4 yrs and 9 months old), and as of right now, we have no car. It’s difficult sometimes. Most days are OK, a few are great, but some leave me on the verge of tears because I just need a break, and I really don’t have anywhere to go. I can’t leave the kids at home with hubby (or even a babysitter) and speed off to the local coffee place or movie theatre, b/c they’re not in walking distance. I don’t know the intricacies of your particular situation, but I know one thing that has helped me is just making friends with my neighbors. Now that we’ve been here for several months, I know I can leave my son at his friend’s house for an hour while I have some down time (which usually involves sleeping), and she understands and doesn’t mind a bit. I miss that connection I used to have with other moms when I lived in the States, though.
That being said, it sounds like you are in a difficult transition period in your life, and I will keep you in my prayers.

By: Shawna

Shawna — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:09:33 +0000

It always seems to me that most SAHM’s say they love being at home. I don’t know if they just say that it’s worth it or really mean it. I am a SAHM of three kids 4 and under. For me, it’s a nightmare. I think it mostly has to do with my particular situation. I have no transportation and I have no friends and only limited family to help out. So imagine being at home all day with three hyper kids without going outside or having people to help. We have no yard either so they are literally in the house all day long and needless to say it gets crazy. Of course I love my kids, but I really don’t like being with them all day long. I feel like I lost myself. I want to be able to do things for me and not just be a “mom”. I think I would be a better mom if I felt more fulfilled. It use to be my dream to be a SAHM, but my opinion about it has changed. It truly is the hardest job in the world. I just wish I could find more people who have the same issues as I do.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:04:59 +0000

I love staying home with my daughter [she is 15 months]. I don’t think you can compare the two, working outside of the home or staying at home to take care of your children. How can you really say one is “easier,” you know? They both have challenges. If I were to compare, though, I’d have to say that staying at home is harder. It is literally 24/7 and you rarely get a break. It is also a true blessing, and I am very fortunate and thankful everyday!

By: Heidi

Heidi — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:42:37 +0000

Being a SAHM is much harder than when I worked, but I love it! I really can’t imagine myself working while trying to raise a preschooler and baby at the same time. If the decision were up to me then I wouldn’t return to work until my last child graduates from HS (I know that will never happen)! And then I’d go get myself a PT job at Starbucks and drink lots of free iced vanilla lattes while working and bringing home 1lb. of coffee free every week!

Anyways, I have so much respect for the moms that do work while raising their kids and husband. I always look at them with admiration because they appear to be such strong women.

By: natalie

natalie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:52:21 +0000

I find it hard doing what I am doing now. I work at our church, but only until 2 every day and I have Jackson with me at work sometimes. It’s a really relaxed atmosphere, but still a job. I am constantly watching him, making sure he isn’t too loud when people are in meetings and tending to him when he is needing something or upset. He actually came to work with me every day from 8-2 when he was only 6 weeks old!

When I do leave my job, then I go home to be a full-time mother to my 2 year old. It can be really difficult to balance at times, but I’ve really grown to love it. Even writing this, I am proud that I have handled it all.

Now, that may all change when baby #2 comes.