Silly Questions Maybe?!?! for Sahms

I stay at home with my 2 boys and we are not having any more. I have never gotten any rude comments about staying home with 2. But, if I did, I would blow it off. I am very confident that I have made the best choice!

I agree so much with JennaLynnLucky's comments. I am a single mom to one beautiful baby boy and I don't have the option to be a SAHM. I wish I could and I think it is a wonderful thing for Moms who choose to, whether it be for one child or five! I also don't understand the whole working mom v. stay-at-home mom?!!! Let's just try to support each other the best we can!

I am a stay at home mom with 1 11 month old girl, and maybe a second baby one day. but at my age, when I tell people I am a stay at home mom they sort of look at me funny, and dont say anything for a minute. (I'm 23)

I am a SAHM and I think it is a wonderful choice this day and age. If you don't have to work then staying home with your children is very beneficial to you and your children. I feel that I had these children so it is my responsibility to take care of them not someone else's. Other people feel differently and need to or want to work. This is just my preference. I don't want to lose out on any time with my children. I also volunteer at school.

I keep hearing about the "Mommy Wars" from people like Dr. Phil, but I've never met anyone who make me feel bad for staying at home or working. Most of the time there is a mutual respect for the challenges of either choice. In reading the responses so far, I sense quite a few moms being defensive about their decision to the point that they have assumed someone "envies" them.

I work part time, and I love my kids. I have to say, I'm a better mom because I work part time. I really love what I do, and I do look forward to a break. When I pick up my kids, I am so excited to see them. They have a much happier mom because we get a little bit of a break from each other.

I guess I get tired of hearing some moms say, "I didn't have kids so that someone else could raise them," to other moms who work full time and whose kids are in day care. They are doing what's best for their family!

Do what works for you and your family, and blow off the negative reactions from others. Don't say things like others "envy you" or they don't "raise their own kids." Just do what works and be happy.

Well I am a SAHM, and have 1 child. I would be happy with one more (if we are able too), but we are in no rush (our little girl is 2).
I stay home by choice, and recently thought of rejoining the work force. I might still go back to work but if my SO gets a promotion I will be going to school instead. At first our plan was to stay home for the first year, we were able to exceed that by another year.
Everyone I have met tells me I am extremely lucky to be able to stay home with my little girl. I don't think I realized the whole working moms vs. stay at home moms until I read a couple posts on here. To me, we're all moms. Some moms work because they have to, some because they want to. Some stay at home because they choose too and some because they can't work or are unable to find employment. You just never know someone's story. So when a mom says she works...I don't automatically assume it's because she *has* to, and it goes the other way with sahm's.
Like I said I have been at home for 2 years, and it's been great. I would like to go back to school or get a part time job. I think it would be beneficial for her and I both. Juts my personal situation.
Hope this helps.

I am a SAHM mom to one child and we won't be having any more. I stay home by choice and I don't feel like I have to explain myself to anyone who would ask. So, if people ask, just confidently say you are a SAHM with one child, and leave it at that. I find if you say things confidently, people are less likely to question. If they do question, you always have the option not to answer. Just be happy with your choice, whether you work or stay home, and you'll be confident in your answer.

I guess I'm more curious why you have isolated the question to SAHM's of 1-2 children only. I have 3 and currently 34 weeks pregnant with my 4th. I've been a SAHM by choice for 11 years. I quit my job one month before my firstborn was born and I have no regrets. What annoys me the MOST is when people ask me when I intend to put my child in preschool (this has been asked of me with each of my three children). This bothers me the most because I have been my childrens "preschool." Everything they have learned was because I taught it to them. Not that I'm patting myself on the back but I am proud that my children have been with me since birth up until the day they entered kindergarten and they are well adjusted, social children and for someone to suggest I place them in "pre-school" because it's "better for them or their social skills" is really just a slap in the face for me. I find it very insulting that anyone would imply that my job of raising them and teaching them and fostering manners and morals and love and compassion isn't enough. My children are everything to me and I didn't quit my job or give up my financial independence so that I could send them off and expect somebody to do "my job."

I too found this to be a myth- or at least never gave any credibility to either side. I stay at home (with three, but would have for 2 or 1 for a while regardless), several of my friends work, and that I know of, none of us got negative comments. Only jerks judge either of the two scenarios. Obviously not every single female in the entire universe can make the same choice on this. Can you imagine if EVERY mom stayed home (bye bye half the work force) or EVERY mom worked (hey, not EVERYONE has a spouse at home or can afford nannies and/or FT daycare). Preposterous. There are 2 right ways to do it.

I have been a SAHM since my first child was born, and now have just had my baby girl. My days fly. I am always so busy, sometimes, I don't think that I get a chance to even eat bec, from to and from school, socccer, hockey, and baseball practice...it is crazy. Plus all the otehr choores...laundry, cooking , cleaning, gardening, ect...Before I had kids, I did have a career. Nobody was more surprised than me when I did not go back to work. I just felt like raising my kids wa the most important thing that I will ever do. I have friends from befoire, but not really. Most of them have had kids by now and are back to work. They wear their designer suits, and I wear sweats. The gap has really grown between us...but I know that no one else is raising my kids, that I am doiing it, and that makes it worth everything to me. One of my old friends asked me why did I just throw all my education aaway to stay home and watch Seasame Streat as she put it. I just told her, bec I want to be the one to see my baby crawl and walk first, and not some daycare lady. We are no longer friends anymore. I have a close net of SAHM friends, and we get each other. Kepp your head up. You are doing the right thing.

I'm a sahm to a beautiful and gifted 7 year old girl. I've always stayed at home after my marriage. And it is by choice. Also, i and my husband have no plan to have another child. Maybe adopt a child later on.
I recently started homeschooling my daughter. That keeps me very busy. Days just fly by, if you ask me. We have so much to do in one day and so little time.
I have a lot of working moms telling me to get a job or do something "useful". It used to hurt my self-esteem when they said that, but I have stopped paying attention to all those people now. They don't know me, and they are probably just envy of the fact that i get to stay home and have my way, and that they have to work...LOL.. :) I'm just content being a mom, and a housewife. i don't need to justify that. I'm just happy the way things are :) I have to thank my wonderful husband for that :)

I currently stay home with my two kids. They are 2 and 3 years old. I taught for 13 years and planned to go back when they reach school age, but now I am leaning towards subbing a few days a week so I can attend field trips, work in their classrooms and be there for them at a moment's notice. I feel like I am in a great position to decide which direction suits me best. I can't say I have ever come across anyone that has reacted negatively to me being a sahm. I think most people would love to stay home if they can. I do have some friends that enjoy working and do so.
I think all roles: sahm, working mother, single mom all have their own unique challenges, but people also make it work too. Whatever people choose to do it is ultimately their decision and anyone that has a negative judgment toward you, I advise you that you give them grace to have their opinion and bid them good day! ;-)
Hope this helps!
A.

I am a stay at home mom of one child who will be 5 next week. She is currently in 3 day 1/2 day preschool but in the fall she will be in all day kindergarten. I get people saying oh what will you do once she starts school in the fall, and I respond well I hope to help out at the school one day a week and I am also taking more school classes. I really don't think it is anyone's business what you do, but some women are not the SAHM type and some are and some want to be but can't afford to do it. Many people think it is so wonderful, but they don't understand how difficult it can be also. This is much harder than a 40hr work week because you never get to go home from this job. I have no plans to have anymore children and I plan to stay home at least till I finish my degree then I will look for full time work. I want to be as involved as I can be with my daughter and her extracurricular activities.

I'm currently a SAHM to two toddlers that keep me very busy. I know what it's like to go back to work full time and have your kids in daycare as well as be home full time with them, both options have their challenges and rewards. I choose to stay home w/ my kids but can also see why someone would choose to return to work, even if not for just a financial reason. I think families have to make a decision that works for their family and other people shouldn't pass judgement on that choice. When I tell people, most people react w/ "Oh that's so wonderful" or "You really have your hands full." The few people that react otherwise, I usually say nothing and try not to let it bother me.

I dont know what number of kids have to do with anything. More age than anything else, whether 1 or 10 kids its better to be able to raise them yourself if you can, up until school.

It doesn't matter I'd you have 1 or 7 kids. Children benefit from having their mother's home with them.

When people ask what I do, I joyfully tell them I get to stay home with my girls. Most people I know are very supportive of my decision. Right now my husband does not make a lot of money, his earning potential will increase in 18 months, but right now an extra $300 per month would help a lot. However, I don't think its worth putting my kids in day care so we can drive a nicer car or eat out once a month, or whatever we desire. There is also the expense of the travel, the car, the clothes, and the day care to consider. Sometimes you end up bringing less home because of these expenses.

I have worked part time from home in the past and it is a sacrifice on the family as well. Every second has to be accounted for to get all the housework and office work done. Its just not a life for me.

If people question you because you've put all the financial stress on your husband or that you're not being supportive by staying home, I would ask them what the most important thing in their life is. Family or Things? For your family, Family wins, and to accomplish that, you're staying home.

If you are proud of what you do, and can make a statement like that, people should get off your back, even if they still disagree with you. Don't spend time arguing with someone who is not genuinely interested in WHY you stay home, but rather trying to bully you into going back to work. Everyone has their reasons for staying home, but don't feel like you have to state them to everyone. Its none of their business. :)

Best wishes!

I have two girls.My husband and I are finished having kids. One is in Kindergarten and one is in preschool. I chose to stay at home with them because I wanted to. I didn't want to juggle work with raising our kids. There's nothing wrong with daycare and working, but my mom stayed home with me, and I was an only, and I still appreciate it.

I have 2 kids and am a SAHM. Honestly, I don't know how people can stay home with more! LOL I have a few degrees and have held quite a few demanding and high stress jobs...and my current job as CFO (Chief Family Officer) to these 2 kids has been the most demanding, and at times, difficult and stressful jobs I've ever had! (And I've done trauma call in the ER and ICU of a tough county...I know what demanding and stressful is! LOL) But being a full time mom has also been the most wonderful and rewarding job too. (Just wish it paid better! LOL Though payment in soggy kisses and sweet hugs aren't too bad either! =0) 1 child, 2 children, 5 children...does it really matter?

I hear that the new status symbol for kids is a SAHM!

Staying home with your kids, few or many, is bound to make some people critical because they think they probably should do it as well if it is at all possible. You're giving your kids a precious gift. Be confident that you know what is best for your own children. Most of the time you can depend on those instincts.

I have a singleton and twins, so I mostly consider myself as a mom of 2 LOL. All of my girls are now in school. We have no plans of having anymore. I stay home because I like being able to drop everything if the girls need me during the day if they're sick. I also like not needing to ask to take time off if I am asked to be a homeroom mom on a field trip or something. Most people seem fairly jealous when I share with them that I am a SAHM. However, I am in charge of the ENTIRE domestic to-do list--yardwork and minor home repairs included. It's not easy, but I love every minute of it.

I have one child and won't be having any more since I'm 46. Got into the game a little late. Don't care what others reactions are and also don't get why it matters whether you have 1-2 kids or 10 kids. I must be missing something...

I'm not sure of exactly what you are asking. I have 2 kids and was a SAHM for a while and no one ever commented that i needed to have more or anything. Are you saying they think you should have 8 kids in order to be a SAHM?
I do see friends and family members that i know for a fact would have been expected to take some sort of employment when the youngest was in school and I truly believe for that reason they chose to have a third child. Again i think their husbands and extended family put that pressure on them.

But i do have to say, I know very very few moms in my kids elementary school classes that are full time SAHM with no young siblings at home. I was able to secure a decent part time job that allows me to be home before the kids get off the bus, I forfiet morning duty to daddy and I have the whole afternoon to be with my kids. Quite a few moms work only part time, but i really haven't met any that have all their children in elementary school with none at home that are SAHMs.
Homeschool moms would be another story as i'm sure that is a full time gig in itself and would require them to stay home.

I have two kids, have NEVER been questioned about staying home with them. It is a personal choice.

I don't have 1 kid, but there are many women in my MOMS club that have 1-2 kids and i never thought it was odd that they stayed home. The number of kids never would have factored into my idea of SAHM.