If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Probably birth to 4. I nurse so thought of returning to work and pumping, and possibly supplementing with formula, kills me. I also think that at such a fragile age I feel more comfortable being with them. My older one goes to preschool now and she loves it so I am happy for her!

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Tough choice.

I really get why people say birth to 4-- those are the formative years, you get to witness all their "firsts", etc. In fact, I always said I'd go right back to work as soon as my youngest went to full-day school.

Boy was I wrong.

From a logistical perspective, I think it's easier for moms to work during those early years. Once they go to school, there are so many days off, half days, snow days, weeklong breaks, summer vacations, and school events that it becomes a bigger juggling act than ever. Add sports, activities, homework and volunteering at school to the mix, and I had a hard time imagining myself starting a new job amid all these other obligations.

My kids are not in middle or high school yet, but my friends with older kids tell me it's valuable to be present and available for them at that age too.

So I guess at any stage, there are pros and cons to being a SAHM.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

My girls are in 1st and 3rd grade, and this has been the year that I have felt me being home is the most valuable. During the toddler years I always felt like anyone could do what I was doing -- changing the diapers and making sure they don't eat rocks. Now is when they come home and have so many thoughts in their head that they are trying to work through -- about why friends weren't nice, about homework.... This is the piece that I feel so grateful to be there to help them through. It actually matters that its me.

If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

I'm a SAHM now and DS is 13.5 months we have DS#2 on the way. I see the benefit of being home during all ages. I never had a career that I cared about as much as being a Mom. For me, this is what I was meant to do with my life. Staying home indefinitely is not an option so because this age group is what I have experienced I would say birth - 4. I have so much respect for FTWM, idk how you ladies do it no matter the age of your DC

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Birth through 4 without a doubt.

For ME (i write this in caps because I am certainly not speaking for everyone!!) I just wanted to be home with them as infants and toddlers...I didn't want someone else being with them all day at daycare. It wasn't something I was ever comfortable with.

These last 7 years have been the best years of my life. The beginning newborn stage is difficult (getting adjusted) but when they are smiling, learning to talk, walk etc..I don't know, I wouldn't have traded the beginning years for anything.

I will be working PT at night when I become a nurse (in 2 years) and hope to have the best of both worlds. I cannot WAIT to become a nurse and have something aside from children to concentrate on BUT i have never regretted it for a second.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

If I could take hiatus...

High School.

I'd want to be a part of her life much more then. Peer pressure, love interests, hobbies, what to do with her future, reassure her I'm here no matter how much she hates me one day or the next, to not miss out on games, plays, even to play hookie once in awhile, to know her friends, to be that house people came to that was safe, to teach her to stand above the influences and always be there coaching her every step of the way.

I really wish I could take those years off but i KNOW that won't happen.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Birth until my DD was able to speak in full sentences and appreciate socialization with other children her age.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

I think the parents who have kids out of school and young adults are really the ones to ask as they have been through every stage (even though I know this board is aimed towards newer parents and ones with younger children).

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

This past January I quit my job to stay home with DD who was 2.5 at the time and DS who was 8 months. I worked in Finance in midtown and felt like I was always working and missed out on so much. I was exhausted by the time I got home and only had time to have dinner with them (sometimes) and say good night to them. I was so nervous since I didn't know how how I would do as a SAHM, but I love it!!! DD is in nursery school 4 days a week and during that time DS and I hang out, play, go shopping, take a gym class. When DD gets home we have a snack, play, some days have a playdate, visit with my parents and DH's parents, etc. It has been such an amazing experience that I couldn't trade it for the world. Granted there are days they drive me nuts, but for the most part I love it and feel so lucky to have this experience.

I don't know if any age is more beneficial than others, but I feel greatful to have this time now.

Message edited 9/27/2013 1:30:42 PM.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Birth until they are school age.

I guess it also depends on what kind of job you are in, how close you are etc.

When I go back to work full time, my office is 15 minutes away from my house and the schools. I work from my home a lot and I go into work early so I am home with them after school.

DH & I worked it out with our jobs so that he will be able to put them on the bus in the morning and I will be home for them when they come home.

Since my job is flexible and I set most of my hours I will still be able to be there when my kids need me.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

I'm not a full time SAHM because I do work from home, but it's very flexible. And I also did not stay home when DD was small- I quit when she started kindergarten. She's now in first and while I have nothing to compare it to, it's great. I volunteer at the school library a couple hours on the day her class is there, and do PTA things and take her to dance. And I'm a Daisy leader. If I'd gone back or stayed I would not be able to do any of this.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

When they are little. I think they need you more than. It seems senseless to me to wait until they are in school all day and have after school activities.

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

Re: If you could choose what years your would be a SAHM, when would you choose?

I think when DS goes to school full time Kingergarten age...ideally I'd like to go back to work, part timeor full time not sure.

but I'd also like a 2nd kid so I figure I will be home for a few more years if that happens.

I think the ages of 1-4/5ish; even 2-5 is a good age to be home with them.