Stay At Home Mom tired of comments from family?

Question

Any suggestions on how to deal with family members who aren't supportive of me being a Stay at Home Mom? I get tired of hearing rude comments about me not having a real job and assuming I watch tv all day. I also get tired of hearing that I'm doing my child harm by being at home because it will make him SPOILED and non-social. Any advice? Any good data out there?

Answer 1

I am with you completely! I too am a SAHM and so many people underestimate what we do. Our job is 24 hours a day and we make so many overlooked sacrifices to be home raising our children. Read the following article and show this to whomever don't support you:

Labor analysts estimate that if a Canadian stay-at-home mom with two school-aged children were paid for all the work she does, her annual salary, including overtime pay would be $165,852 (Canadian). The figure is based on current market wages and a "100 hour workweek, consisting of six 15 hour days and one 10 hour day," says the Vancouver Sun newspaper. Among the responsibilities of a stay-at-home mom are those of day-care worker, teacher, driver, housekeeper, cook, nurse, and general maintenance worker. The newspaper offers the following advice: "Appreciate you mother; She's probably underpaid."

Answer 2

Tell them that this is your choice and they just have to learn to deal with it! Last time I checked being a mom was a 24/7/365 job, we dont get breaks or paid vacation or sick time. When we get sick we grin and bear it and go on. I hate when people think that just because you are a SAHM you live the good life. I would love to see those people take care of a child all day long along with cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and any other things that need to get done. Those people will never understand what we SAHM's do all day unless they did it themselves so as long as you feel good about what you are doing let them think what they want. Just remember you get paid in the best way possible, hugs & kisses and quality time with child :)

Answer 3

I don't know of any statistics from studies I can cite from but several years ago Barbara Bush gave a speech stating her opinion that mothers should stay at home with their babies. My husband does a lot of travelling with his job. We have been able to work things out financially so I didn't have to work mostly because of his travelling. We live away from our families (hundreds of miles) so we figured it would be better if one parent was available 24/7. It's been that way for 14 years. My kids don't want me to go back to work although I plan on it in the next couple of years. Being available 24/7 allows your child/children to participate in any activity desired because transportation is not an issue. If your child is sick & must be sent home from school it is not a problem with an employer. You are available to help with any homework or social problem all the time. How can this be bad?! You can also donate your time at the school your child attends (PTA) & get to know the faculty & staff well. Again, how can this be bad?! We all need to live our lives the best we can & not judge others for not doing it the way we choose. Shame on the family for not understanding you wanting - & being able to financially - take care of your own flesh & blood. I hope this helps & Peace to you.

Answer 4

HI! I too am a SAHM! Even my Husband knows that my job here (with 3 children) is at LEAST twice his "Real Job". If you want to let them know what you do, Give them a LIST! You are a DOMESTIC ENGINEER. That is now you new Job Title. You prepare your children for the world, you nurture your children with love and nutrition, you teach your children cleanliness as they watch you keep your house clean and organized, you teach them family values and that family is IMPORTANT as you are STAYING with them throughout the day and and they see your love 24/7, you are also teaching them how to budget money since you are probably SAVING money by staying at home rather than working and paying for EXPENSIVE Daycare. Your children are PROTECTED since they are with you and not some stranger. You are the GREATEST Teacher your children will ever have! You are doing the BEST thing for them! YOU GO GIRL! :)

Answer 5

Being a stay at home mom is a job. You are lucky that you can stay at home with your child and that should be your choice not theirs.There are plenty of anti social, spoiled kids who have moms who have always worked outside of the home. Ignore them, they're jealous.

Answer 6

Dont you just hate that??? Ask them if they know that a stay at home mom has the most stressful job ever?? And if they got paid for it,... they would be making over 100 thousand a year?? I saw that on a t.v. special about working people. Tell them to mind their own business, and for their information, kids that have their mom at home, end up being better teens and adults. Isnt that what they would want???

Answer 7

A whole lot of good advice! As long as there is a household income, someone paying the bills, tell them it is none of their business, and that their comments are hurtful! If they can't be supportive of how you want to raise your child, then they needn't bother coming around!
Here's to you for being a stay at home mom! YOU GO!

Answer 8

Studies have shown that a stay at home mom is the lowest paid profession that there is. Some woman like to be mothers some just want to have children. YOU GO GIRL Don't worry what others say. You and your children are both better for what you are doing for them.

Answer 9

Aw, I just hate that for you. You are doing the most important job in the world. Molding and shaping the mind of your child. Why on earth would you want someone else to do that? These are the most important formative years of your child's life!

I hope you are part of a SAHM group either that you attend or online. Is your dh supportive?

God Bless!

Answer 10

Wow ! They need to learn that you had children and YOU want to be the one to raise them. Staying home makes them secure, what this about being non social well take them to play groups. Good for you, if you can afford to stay home there is nothing wrong with that.