I try to explain to others, when asked what I do, that I am a Mom. This is the greatest experience in the World. I love being able to put my kids on the bus everyday. I am there when they get home, I am there when doing homework. I cook and clean and love to bake.
No, my husband does not make me do this, and Yes, I choose to do these things.
Why do people look down on these activites?
2006-07-18 04:26:28 · 29 answers · asked by Sarah J 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Everybody knows that I don't much like children, but I also want it known that I think raising kids has GOT to be the single most demanding job you could have.
I don't care to do it, but I think you're an absolute angel of mercy to be a mom at home. It's my conviction that, more than anything else, a kid needs to know that there is someone at home, at all times, to feel secure and loved.
Don't let anyone make you feel small or useless for doing this crucial work. You have my admiration!
2006-07-18 04:34:52 · answer #1 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I've worked full-time, and I've been (and am) a stay-at-home parent. Being a SAHM is a tough job and managing a household is a tough job that is worthy of respect.
I'm glad that I have had the chance to have a big part in raising my children.
I think that the shift in the role of women over the past quarter century or so has made it a little suspect of women who choose parenting as a vocation. People wonder why this woman (or man) doesn't choose to pursue interests that he or she surely must have. Also, since the only "payment" is hugs and kisses, some people don't understand why others would do "unpaid" work.
Everyone has their calling in life. Some are called to parent and to make the nurturing of children their vocation. I say, go with your calling and good for you! Don't let the turkeys get you down.
2006-07-18 11:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by warehaus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People look down on these activities because the ideas about women's roles have shifted due to the feminist movement. 30 years ago it would have been praised and accepted for you to be a stay and home mom and love it! But when the feminist movement ensued...women's became pressured into going after a career just like a man. Obviously, men are different than women. Our bodies, our minds...everything! We think, feel, act, live, eat, talk, react, interact...and live differently! And these are good things! But feminism put women on an equal footing to the extent to say that women MUST be equal in EVERY aspect...in that they can do just the exact same things as a man.
So...women who were once stay at home moms became looked down upon. These things that were normal for hundreds of years before started seeming boring and "lesser", just because women were not giving up their families and doing the exact things as men in the world and workforce. Don't get me wrong...women can do wonderful things in the workforce!
But to forsake a home and family JUST to go to work...to have someone else raise your kids...I think is the most selfish thing a woman can do.
Good for you for loving what you are! I think it is great...and you don't need to worry so much about what others think of you. If they don't understand, maybe share with them some of the classic, feminine beauty that is in your life :)
2006-07-18 11:56:36 · answer #3 · answered by Thespia_2000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love being a stay-at-home mom too. It is wonderful to have that privilege, I know not everyone does. I have traveled the world, gotten an MA ,and have spent a lot of time in the workforce. There is nothing that compares to having a child and being able to take care of them yourself. Children are your legacy and you get to actually shape and mold their little minds. They are a piece of you. No one ever looks back on their life and wishes they had spent more time in the office or at their job. Don't worry what other people think, you have a treasure beyond measure, so just enjoy it. Don't worry about others who aren't very enlightened.
2006-07-18 12:29:43 · answer #4 · answered by chynna30_2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They look down on us because they can work 40 hrs a week and keep their house clean and bake the cookies and take care of the children.
What they miss is there children growing up. That is what they don't understand. We as SHAM's don't miss a thing and we know what our children are doing at every second of every day. We know when they like to eat. We know when they like to snack. We know when they look at us and tell a bold face lie. We know when they tell us everything that happened in their day and not leave anything out.
We as SHAM's choose to do so and people don't understand how it can be a full time job as they say it is. But I am raising my children not the daycare system, not the school system, ME. That is the best part of being A SHAM!!!
2006-07-18 11:41:56 · answer #5 · answered by evrythnnxs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this question is somewhat difficult to answer. Obviously, its a personal preference as to how you want to raise your children, and if you choose to be a stay at home mom. Some women enjoy the balance of work and being home with their children. I also believe that some women may not feel that they are "contributing" to society by staying home with their children, or they might just hate household chores, bottom line. It shouldn't matter how other's view your decision. What matters the most, is that YOU ARE happy and doing what is best for you, your children and family. It's no one elses life, but your own. :-)
2006-07-18 11:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get the same reaction. I'm in my twenties and have four kids. I stay home with all of them and wouldn't want it any other way. I think that women who cannot do this may be jealous or may never have been able to experience how rewarding it can be so they are just ignorant to it. In the long run our children will appreciate all we've done and that will make up for any negative reactions we've gotten along the way.
2006-07-18 11:30:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is great! I am a stay-home mom doing some schooling online and its the best thing ever. I don't miss a second of my childs life and I'll be able to get him prepared for school when its his time. Don't listen to what others think. Everyone has and UNWANTED opinion. This is your life and your happy-that is all that matters!!!! All the power to you that you can be able to stay home with your children. Also, from experience-most women get jealous because they can't stay home!
2006-07-18 11:30:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't have to make them understand. Maybe they're just jealous. I thoroughly enjoy being a stay-at-home Mom too. And we made that choice together. I wanted to raise my kids, not the daycare. I personally believe the world would be a better place if more Mom's stayed home (or Dad's). But that is a personal choice.
2006-07-19 07:04:36 · answer #9 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to get others to understand. Some people look down on it because that's not something that would give them the satisfaction they desire. People usually try to have a job that makes them happy and that they enjoy. Being a mom is yours. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact, I envy you a bit...
Congratulations on doing what makes you happy and what makes your family happy! You must be very proud and feel so fulfilled and lucky.
2006-07-18 11:32:50 · answer #10 · answered by angelbaby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋