What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

.......besides being with the kids 24/7? . Mulling things over in my head about this, so trying to look at all angles from you pros! :)

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Running out of ideas to entertain the baby by 9:30 AM. It's hard when you're sleep deprived and alone to think of new things to do with someone whose attention span is literally 90 seconds long! It's exhausting. And then DH comes home at 5:00 and wants to chill out on the couch for a bit before changing a diaper, etc., because he's tired from "working all day."

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Well, luckily for us, finances are not a concern with one income, but I suppose if they were then that would be the scariest thing.

This is an interesting question otherwise... Hmmm... I would say I was very worried about having nothing to contribute conversationally and intellectually with my DH. He has about fifty million jobs and activities in which he meets and talks to dozens of people in day. He even works with friends. I thought, 'What am I going to be able to add...sooooo, my tuna sandwich was really good today .' That was four years ago; to be sure, at that time there were more days than not that I spoke to no one, yet I still did not find that to be the case. I am always reading novels/books and I keep up with stuff daily via NYT and the Daily News. Now, both girls are in school and I'm constantly interacting with people and I'm never at a loss for conversation or stimulation.

I guess the other fear was that I'd be very lonely. I am very shy and am not the sort that just talks to anyone. However, I did join a few mommy and me type deals and at one of them (Just Wee Two), I met three great women with whom I've remained close over four years now.

I actually--dare I say?--love staying home now. Well, maybe "love" is a strong word, but it's somewhere between that and "like a lot."

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

The only scary thing is not having my OWN money, my husband has been generous, but in the beginning he was ******** and moaning about every penny I spent, he has stopped me now (thank goodness) but I still feel like I wish I could spend a hundred quid on a pair of boots, but I can't.

I am super busy pretty much everyday, and two mornings a week my daughter goes to daycare. So most days we leave the house to take Noah to school at 8.30 am and come home again after the school run at 4 pm. I struggle to get everything in some days, I am that busy.

I know this time is only going to last a few years, so I do my best to enjoy every day!!

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

For me it's feeling like i'm not doing enough to stimulate her or socialize her. If we had more money I could do Mommy and me classes where we meet more kids, she could go to daycare for 4hrs a wekk like before and have a blast, we could do tumbling.....you get the drift. We don't have friends with kids we hang out with and we don't have many mommy type things here. I worry she won't adjust to a crowd or know how to be with other kids.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

hand on a bible....the 24/7 access to the fridge!

I feel like i am either cooking in kitchen, cleaning kitchen or packing things to go in kitchen.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

2nd-i don't deal with this nonsense, but i have friends that do...
the world can view sahms anyway they want to....but your dh totally has to get it.
he has to view what you do as priceless. you cannot be replaced.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Boredom, exhaustion.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

I think it's important as a SAHM to have a sitter who can come in and relieve you a few hours a week. That is a must have. Even if it's only 2 hours (20 bucks) it WILL make a difference in your sanity.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

I think it depends on your particular situation as a SAHM b/c in my experience in my area all SAHM do not have the same daily life. Alot depends on how much help you have (nanny, DH around at some point during the day to help etc.). But, for me, the scariest thing - I would say not having 1 second to myself all day. Living my life with always at least one child and having to figure out how to get everything done for myself, my kids and our home while juggling that. Also, when you are not feeling well and there is no one else to feed the kids, bathe them etc. - so you have to. etc. etc. I guess that is what I find the scariest.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Well I am just starting so I have no idea but the thing that scares me the most is not getting a paycheck. I have made my own money since I was a teenager so this gets to me...I mean it's all OUR money, but there is something about my name being on the check that I will miss...

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Not having an income of my own. DH never makes me feel uncomfortable about it and looks at it as "our" money but it still bothers me sometimes.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Working all day and then having a DH who comes home, gets into bed (to watch you fold laundry) and then doesn't want to get the kids up from their nap because... he's been working all day.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

the scariest:

DH not being able to work, DH losing a job.

the longer i am out of the workforce, the less i will make once i finally decide to rejoin.

the biggest pain in the arse:

the monotony of it all

bored? me? never. but feeling like all you do is cook and clean can be maddening at times!

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

For me it can be isolating at times, I really have to work at being social. Also it is mentally, physically and psychologically exhausting to always keep it together. Managing the house and little human(s) 24/7 is draining. My DH works a lot so I don't get many breaks..

That being said the good far outweighs the bad IMO. This is the best job ever!

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

I would not trade being a SAHM for anything but for me the scariest pertains to finances. We are comfortable & DH surely can support us but with the state if our economy, you just never know. The cost if living is forever increasing & for the most part the salaries are not in proportion.

I miss my own paycheck bc that was my "fun" money. I paid some household bills but the remaining was mine to spoil myself.

Losing my sanity is also something I struggle with. My family lives oos & I can't always rely on DHs family to relieve me. So there are weeks that to by & I don't get a break. The 24/7 & no real adult interaction can make things hard plus now that we are headed into the winter, it gets depressing.

I also fear the ability to snack all day if wanted. I'm still trying to drop some of the pregnancy weight.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

The scariest thing is getting sick. There are no sick days for SAHMs.
I'm also not a big fan of snowstorms and rainy days. I feel trapped at home.

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

-Isolation. I am someone that NEEDS to get out but didn't want to spend $$$ because I felt bad since I wasn't bringing in a paycheck. I have now found plenty of free activities to attend and because of that have met other moms.

-Some days are never ending, I don't look forward to the weekends anymore because I can finally sleep in or anything like that. The cycle never ends...

-Questioning if I am "teaching" enough to DS.

-And I know this is wrong to do to myself, but feeling a little bit of a loss of self-importance. Being a Mom is the greatest job I'll ever have and do, but sometimes I feel like "I'm just a SAHM" even though it's the hardest thing I have ever done.

I know this sounds like I don't appreciate being a SAHM, but I really do. I LOVE this time with my son but some aspects of it are much harder than I had imagined. As I type this, DS just woke up from a nap and I can hear him coo'ing on the monitor. What's better than being a mom?

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Not making my own money- I hate not being able to contribute financially and watch every penny.

Boredom (for me)- there are days that it feels like groundhogs day (the movie) and it drains on me emotionally & mentally.

Boredom (for her)- I am always worried about her not getting enough outside stimulation and since we're on one salary, we can't afford it. And there are days that I'm done entertaining by 10am (and there's a long time till Daddy comes home at 5:30!).

Not being able to have a conversation with people (DH included) about anything other than my DD because that's all I do. Actually, this is real- we have lost communication :(

That people think that I'm home so my home needs to be spic & span- and it's so difficult to entertain her all day and cook and clean and take care of the dog and take care of myself at the same time.

Being a SAHM has also taken a toll on me mentally- I NEED time to myself before I go crazy!

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Honestly for me -nothing. I was a SAHM for almost 3 years. I loved being a SAHM and I HATE being a PTWM. Fortunetely I gave notice last week so this will be my last couple of weeks

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?

Not making my own $ and getting the runaround when asking for some..DH still doesn't totally get it, and i hope he will soon..it's stressful and depressing to me..this is what DH wanted, me staying home, so oneday he should realize what sacrifices i've made..

Re: What is the scariest thing about being a SAHM?