Are SAHMs the new "status symbol"?

Question

I know most SAHMs don't feel like it, but if you saw two houses that were the same, same car, etc. and one had a SAHM wouldn't you think that husband had a better job? Or that the people were morally better off because they were willing to make the sacrifices required to have one parent stay home. Or that they were more intelligent because they were able to make it work?

Taking out the morally and intelligent part and putting this at par with having an really nice car.

I know a lot of my neigbors think my business is booming because my wife stays home -though nothing could be farther than from the truth.

Answer 1

It seems that way, doesn't it?

Of the 9 women who completed Masters degrees with me eight years ago, I am one of only 2 that are full-time employed outside the home. The rest are all SAHMs. I thought when their little ones reached Kindergarten they would go back to pursuing their careers, but nope.

I understand that being at home is important to some people, but I am tired of being looked down upon for having a career and kids. To me, having an exciting career is the best example I can set for my kids.

Sorry about the soapbox speech...

Answer 2

As a SAHM, I wonder what it would be like to work. I miss dressing up, having a place to go everyday, making money, using my mind and education as well as having a break from the kids. I also know that there are terrifice nannies out there. However, I can't help but wonder if they would take care of my children with the amount of love and care as I do, especially raising a special needs child. I guess the feeling is that if you want something done right, you do it yourself.

Working is fun, but knowing you are making an impact on your child everyday is even better. I would never say that a working mom is inferior to me. However, I would say that being a SAHM is the best decision for my family.

Answer 3

I'm a SAHM and I can answer this from my personal feelings on it. I feel blessed that my husband has sufficient income to allow this to work for us. I also know that any job that I get would not be worth the cost of daycare - basically, we are better off financially with me staying home and caring for our son.
I do not think of people by their income or debt level, spending habits, or credit rating. I'll let their banks worry about those things.
I do not see being a SAHM as a status symbol but I can understand where many people would. I see it as people doing the best that they are able to do for their children whether that is staying at home to care for them or going out to work to provide more for them.

Answer 4

I am a stay at home mom and people do from time to time say that my hubby must make a lot of money. Really, he makes ok money, but we do have to sacrifice too. Most of our friends that both work are able to go out all the time and go on vacation and go shopping a lot and so forth, and we can't do all those things as often. There are sacrifices that have to be made when you stay home with your children, and it isn't for everyone, but I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world.

Answer 5

I am a stay at home mom only b/c it costs almost the exact same to have my children in daycare as I would make in a weeks pay. My husband has a decent job but we are not well off. Financially it would be better if I could work but then I would be working to send my children to daycare so it just isn't worth it.

Answer 6

No. I'd say it just meant that it wasn't worth paying for daycare for both of them to work. If you have 3 or more kids, you almost can't find a job that will pay enough to cover daycare, business clothes, car, fuel, etc. for it to be worth both parents working.

Answer 7

I don't think SAHM's are a status symbol at all. I think it's an individual family's choice. I think no more or no less of their choices.

Answer 8

no