Don't shoot me.

I know Oprah likes to promote the idea that it is, and some incredibly sexist men demonize the women they believe are supposed to stay home, but really honestly what do you think?

Yes, it is a full-time job that could never pay enough. I salute any woman who does it because I can't.

I think for some mothers it is definitely a full time job. I say some because there are plenty of mothers who use it as an excuse to watch tv of surf the net all day. They don't do anything with their kids and they don't keep up with household chores either.

However, I do believe that most stay at home moms are grateful that they can stay home and work hard doing it.

Well, my sister is a stay at home mom for the past 8 years.



I don't think the stresses she has to go through come even close to those working adults have to go through. I just don't.

the real tough jobs are for moms who work AND take care of thier children.



Sorry, if this is not a romanticized kudos to stay-at-home mothers, but I just don't think it comes close to what the corporate world can do to you--not even close. (barring health issues and special needs kids of course).

Imago said:

Great points!

Though I concede, her stresses are with children up to 8 years of age.


The picture may change when they're teenagers. BUt why the hell she can't enter the workforce when they're THAT old, I don't know.

Imago said:

Dance said:

Full Time Job.....Literally?....NO...Figuratively?....Yes!

It is a full-time job. No question about it. Especially when you consider all it implies.

DexMSR said:

Oh please. It's actually more than full-time. It's a 24 hour around the clock job.

Stymie said:

Makes sense!

Imago said:

Wait, are you saying the corporate world is worse on a stress level than raising healthy, happy children? I'll take going to work any day in that aspect.
But I think both have different skill sets and demeanors required, and both reward or drain in much, much different ways.

As for the topic at hand, yes. Absolutely a 24 hour a day, 365 day a year job.

Stymie said:

Why do you say that?

Stymie said:

You took the words right out of my mouth....

...I guess the only prob I have with some stay at home Moms is that they try to make working Moms feel like they're not good Moms because they work....but that is a general statement and not an indictment of ALL stay at home Moms...

all Moms (who do right by their kids) ROCK!!!

Dance said:

Walk a mile in my shoes over the past 19 + yrs

you will gain another prespective

that and no amount of $ was worth me being gone from my children to pay another person to watch them

that's just MY experience and thoughts

I believe that most all parents try and do the best they can in their experience of parenting

CarrieMpls said:

That is exactly what I'm saying'.


I've witnessed it in my sister. She has moments of them getting sick and those days are hellish for sure.

But it's no where near as stressful as her husband's life, nor mine.

Hell, I looked after their kids for a week and took them to hockey practice, helped with homework, food, etc. etc. and by the end of the week, I would have much rather done her job permanently than mine.

So yes, it is EXACTLY what I was saying.

But again, her kids are healthy, smart, well adjusted kids. But then again, variations in the workforce also exist.

DexMSR said:

You're not refering to the reality TV version on Bravo or elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I'm not kicking it. Not everybodies life celebrity or otherwise is like this at all. Let's face it. It takes no effort to make a child & push a child out the womb haphazardly. But its another thing for a mother to effectively raise her child and be involved in their lives.

[Edited 3/11/08 11:46am]

Add onto SAH Mom - parenting your parent full time as well

Dance said:

When I get off work, I come home to my kids. If it is a good day, everyone's in bed by 9 or 10. IF it is a bad day, I am up with my son all night. You can't stop being a mom, even when you are at work away from home.

Mach said:

Mach said:

I wish I could afford to stay home.

Imago said:

That is the complete opposite of my experience. Maybe it's different from person to person. I can barely take an overnight with my nieces and nephews without wanting to be done with it, and we're only doing the FUN things.

CarrieMpls said:

Yes. Most men I know who complain about it, can't handle it for 2 hours.

CarrieMpls said:

It may boil down to personality.

My nephews completely drain me. But I love them, completely. So spending time with them, helping them with homework, deliberating thier arguements, etc. etc. is actually a joy on some strange level. I'm absolutely in love with those children.

I however, would like the destroy the souls of all my coworkers..

So I guess its a matter of perspective. But seriously when my sister and Brother-in-law went on vacation and left my nephews to me (I took the week off for it), I didn't think it all that difficult.
The only real stress was talking to 4 and 5 year olds can drive you crazy--they're very manipulative.

Stymie said:

I am very aware how very very blessed I am to do so

Imago said:

But imagine that week stretching on to every single day for the rest of your life and YOU being responsible for turning them into happy, healthy responsible, compassionate loving people.

If you don't like your job, you can always find a new one. I've done it many times. I love the people I work with currently, at both jobs.

CarrieMpls said:

Easier than what I do now , trust me.

Empress said:

This is exactly what I was going to say.

It's a full time job if it's a mom is actually being a good mom.

Yes it is!! It saves over 600 a month so basically it is a part time job!!