Any SAHP's?

[3weddings]

I am proud to be a SAHM. I am available for my children 24/7 without having to choose my employer over my children.

A day like today, where one is sick, I didn't have to make alternate arrangements to be home for her.

I am able to attend every one of their school events that are held during the day, as well as actively volunteer at their school during the day.

I am not stressed like most moms when they drop off their dk's at school in the morning because they will be late for a meeting. I am not dropping my dks off at a sitter at 7am in their jammies.

I may not have that second income, however I am also not leaving my child with a sitter or daycare provider. I was there for every one of my children's firsts.

As my oldest hits the 'tweens, I am there for her at 3pm when her crush didn't notice her. I am also there to ensure that her homework is completed and provide any assistance I can should she need it.

As I am able to at home, I am pleased with how my children are progressing in their life cycle. All are straight A students and accomplished athletes. All are loving, caring, helpful, polite, well read, and a joy to have around. Do I take credit for that, of course I do.

I see more and more men being the primary care provider and applaud them. I live in a community where more then parents are at home than work. For us this works well, however as with any parenting choices, the working parent will have valid factors as to their choices.

So where are our other SAHPs?

[deep]

I am a SAHF.

For the last 5 years (since the birth of my first child) my wife and I have both been SAHPs, operating our own company from home. However, my wife wanted to get her MBA back into a corporate environment (and make a little more money!) and so returned to the 9-5 (well, 7:30 to 6, but who's counting?) life this year.

I still run our company, and it's tough at times, with a 6am wakeup, having the 2 year old all day and the 5 year old in the afternoon, not getting mom home until supper, and then starting MY work day after everyone else is asleep. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Having spent so much time with the boys is incredible - my wife misses it already, and we're already making arrangements to get her more time at home. I totally agree with you that there is so much stuff to experience that people who don't get to stay at home will miss.

There are a lot of ups, downs, and all arounds to being at home, but I would sacrifice just about anything to be with my boys.

[charliebrown]

you folks are amazing!

with a new home on the way & getting used to the single income (stupid EI delays)...i dunno if we can afford my wife taking an extended mat leave. The income split proposal will help a bit...of course, my wife does want to build up her home based business...

[CSK'sMom]

I've been home with our kids (17,15 and 11)for the last 13 or 14 years. We wouldn't have it any other way. It's a choice that we made and have never regretted it for a moment. Hubby has also stayed at his job because it affords us a great family life. He goes to work at 2am and is home between 10am and Noon. We never miss a school concert or football game. We always know where our kids are, who they are with and what they are doing. They always have one of us home, if not both of us when they get home. They also always have a sit down, home-cooked meal on the table every night.

It's one of my major pet peeves in life when people say that both parents *have* to work today. I call BS! It's all about the choices that you make and what you deem important in life. Personally, we value our kids and the time we have with them. You only get one chance to do it and the years really fly by in the blink of an eye....

[shoppingmama]

Glad to see other parents who are like-minded :) I have been home since I found out I was pregnant with our first child 11 years ago. My kids are now school age but we are now homeschooling them :D We make sacrafices but our kids are the most important thing to us, and after 14 years of marriage it's been a long road but totally worth it.

[Bullseye]

My wife and I alternate being SAHP's, we both work part time, so one of us is always home. At least, that's how it's been going so far, we are expecting our second any day now, and my wife is taking another year off. I'm staying part time, and she will be returning to part time after her year. We don't plan to have either of us work full time again until both kids are in schoool full time, then my wife will probably go back to full time.

We structured our finances years ago to accomodate for this plan, we made all our financial decisions based on two part time incomes, not two full time ones. That's the really the only way to do it. If you are used to living with two full time incomes, you've bought the house and vehicle(s) that corresponds with that level of pay, it will be hard to scale back down.

For myself, I really enjoy all the time I get with my son, and am looking to equal time with the new baby. I'm still sort of the odd-man-out when I'm at the park and I'm the only dad there at 10am, surrounded by momma's, but more and more I'm seeing men pushing strollers around my area. I can't imagine doing things the old Leave It To Beaver way, I want to be involved in every aspect of my kids lives.

(edited for typo)

[kellya]

Another SAHM here :) I did go back to work after my year mat leave was up with my daughter. I was very lucky though because my Mom came to my house and babysat her. After I had my son (when my daughter was 2) I went back on mat. leave and then never went back. I'm now expecting another baby and even if I wanted to go back (which I don't lol) it just wouldn't make sense to pay childcare for 3 kids. I also love the perks you describe (no worry about sick days, being there all the time - it is also nice for my husband because he comes home to a hot meal, a clean house (usually) and he doesn't have to worry about his kids.

It was a big adjustment for sure since I left a job that paid quite well and our standard of living did change - but we are committed to making it work so it does.

Kelly

[kaimui22]

my husband and I are both SAHP...
I wake up every 3 hours to pump (baby won't latch) and supplements with formula....he's responsible for changing the diapers

so at night i sleep for 2-3 hour stretches, waking up to provide "food"
meanwhile he sleeps when the baby sleeps during the day..sometimes 3-4hrs

my baby is only 12 days old so there's really no 'schedule' yet...hopefully it'll get better! and we're finding that the baby prefers one brand of formula over another....some will keep him hiccuping and filled with gas all night long and some will give him..umm..explosive diapers but then he sleeps a bit better

i guess that's the trade off...for dirty diapers/clothes vs sleepless nights!

[sdm242]

Another SAHM here. Although right now, both my husband and I are stay-at-home parents as he's currently unemployed and searching for a new job. We have two girls, ages 4 and 6, and I've been a SAHM for the whole time. I hope to attend teacher's college once my youngest is in school full time.

I wouldn't have things any other way. We've made a few sacrifices to allow me to stay at home but those have been well worth it. My husband was even able to take parental leave when both our girls were infants (as I wasn't working and didn't need to take maternity leave). The time that we all spent together as a family was priceless.

[3weddings]

These are GREAT...keep 'em coming!!!!!!!!

[skanji]

I will be a SAHF for 6 months after my wife is a SAHM for 6 months...we're splitting the year...

[Whiplash7828]

I wish I was a SAHD!

:D :D :|

[bubble.tea]

for a second I thought this was SingleAtHomeMoms., then I realized Stay ;).

Gotcha.

If wifey was NEARLY as addicted as I am to online forums she'd post...but she isn't. Since our XX Q4 '03 was born, she's been the sole provider-God Bless her soul, and her decision to marry me :cheesygri. She's never worked in Canada, so I've been the only one to take parental leave on both occasions...God Bless the Canadian Government and how generous they are with this policy. WOW.

She finished her Early Childhood Education Certificate with hopes to work on a Private Home Daycare set-up., we're working on finalizing the legal aspects of this, as well as CPR & First Aid and such.

[Rehan]

Another SAHF checking in. In my case, it means Surf At Home Father... I mostly just play around on the Internet. :cheesygri I've been home for the last 3 years, and my wife "retired" 5 years ago. We have three young girls, ages 1, 3, and 6, so it's nice to be around for them these days. I'm sure some our neighbors wonder whether we have jobs, cause we're at home most of the day.

One of the things I miss about working in an office environment is the interaction with adults. I do get that other places, but it's not the same level as it usually is at work.

... and then starting MY work day after everyone else is asleep. I know how that feels. I do work 9-5 quite often, but that's typically 9 PM to 5 AM. :|

[Bullseye]

I'm curious about what types of jobs you guys have that allow you to work from home, and in the evening/night?

[deep]

I'm curious about what types of jobs you guys have that allow you to work from home, and in the evening/night?
IT consulting, some web, database and app development. Also media consulting.

[NorthYorker]

My wife had been SAHM for number of years and even now only works part-time. It all comes down to money, if nothing else. Most pink-collar jobs in GTA pay less then what you need to pay for good daycare for 2 kids. There are fringe advantages too. My oldest one is sure that frozen dinners are tastiests things in whole wide world because she never tried one in her life :)

[patrob]

I am also a SAHM...with 3 kids - 5 yr. old son & Twins (boy/girl) 2 1/2 yrs. I have been staying at home since I got pregnant with 1st. It's a lot of work & can't even imagine how much child care for all would cost :eek: Being a SAHM is a hard job but rewarding. Ofcourse there are times that I just want to explode when they are all fighting about some stupid toy, but what can you do...I keep telling myself it will get easier (I hope) :lol: I wonder what it will be like when they are all in school for a full day :rolleyes: ...

[AnnaBanana]

Yup, one more SAHM here... I love it and the sacrifice of only having one income is totally worth it for us.

Here's my question for people - I am a fairly educated individual (i have my masters degree)... and am considering being a SAHM for several years as we are not done having children. I already have people wondering when i am going back to work (as i "should" since i have those degrees and they shouldn't go to "waste"). I get asked all the time... and people seem to react strangely when i say that i am unsure - no one seems to understand that at this point in my life i value being a mom over using my degrees in the workforce. So what's the best way to explain this to people? I seem to get a lot of blank stares, and i have heard people say that it was a "waste of time/money" for me to get my degrees.

Also, if i DO choose to return to work, how important is it for me to have things on my resume that are related to my field during the years that i am a SAHM? Do employers these days respect that you have a chunk of your resume that was dedicated to parenting, or do they see it as a negative?

[mrsmagoo2001]

Yup, one more SAHM here... I love it and the sacrifice of only having one income is totally worth it for us.

Here's my question for people - I am a fairly educated individual (i have my masters degree)... and am considering being a SAHM for several years as we are not done having children. I already have people wondering when i am going back to work (as i "should" since i have those degrees and they shouldn't go to "waste"). I get asked all the time... and people seem to react strangely when i say that i am unsure - no one seems to understand that at this point in my life i value being a mom over using my degrees in the workforce. So what's the best way to explain this to people? I seem to get a lot of blank stares, and i have heard people say that it was a "waste of time/money" for me to get my degrees.

Also, if i DO choose to return to work, how important is it for me to have things on my resume that are related to my field during the years that i am a SAHM? Do employers these days respect that you have a chunk of your resume that was dedicated to parenting, or do they see it as a negative?

First of all it is none of their business what you do with your education. When they ask just say "excuses me?" or change the subject.
If you volunteer at the kids school or activates this is great for your resume.

I was involved in a lot of fundraising at school, for the dance team, for guiding etc. I volunteered for a few organizations as well. All that is important job skills. Really helped out for getting a job I wanted but had no formal training for.

[NSMum]

I am also a SAHM...with 3 kids - 5 yr. old son & Twins (boy/girl) 2 1/2 yrs. I have been staying at home since I got pregnant with 1st. It's a lot of work & can't even imagine how much child care for all would cost :eek: Being a SAHM is a hard job but rewarding. Ofcourse there are times that I just want to explode when they are all fighting about some stupid toy, but what can you do...I keep telling myself it will get easier (I hope) :lol: I wonder what it will be like when they are all in school for a full day :rolleyes: ...


We have (7 month old )boy/girl twins as well and two older boys(3 1/2 and 7) and I've been a SAHM since my second son was born. The daycare cost for 3 kids and after school for the fourth child would be unreal so it's cheaper for me to stay at home right now. I won't have all four kids in school for another 4 1/2 years so I feel your pain and there are days I wonder if I'm going to survive too..LOL

[3weddings]

Being a SAHM is a hard job but rewarding. Ofcourse there are times that I just want to explode when they are all fighting about some stupid toy, but what can you do...I keep telling myself it will get easier (I hope) :lol: I wonder what it will be like when they are all in school for a full day :rolleyes: ...

I have 5 and a half months left before I find out!! HURRAY!! lol

That being said, I am on the fence about going back to work (HR field) or remaining home. My kids have gotten used to Hot lunches (school only has biweekly pizza days), and my being in the school volunteering. I go on almost all school trips, and I am quite active with the school council. I'd hate to lose this most rewarding part of my life.

I have friends who have 'scored' with jobs that have them back at 3pm for the all to important after school routine, and I envy them. If only more jobs were out there like that!! :D

Yup, one more SAHM here... I love it and the sacrifice of only having one income is totally worth it for us.

Here's my question for people - I am a fairly educated individual (i have my masters degree)... and am considering being a SAHM for several years as we are not done having children. I already have people wondering when i am going back to work (as i "should" since i have those degrees and they shouldn't go to "waste"). I get asked all the time... and people seem to react strangely when i say that i am unsure - no one seems to understand that at this point in my life i value being a mom over using my degrees in the workforce. So what's the best way to explain this to people? I seem to get a lot of blank stares, and i have heard people say that it was a "waste of time/money" for me to get my degrees.

Also, if i DO choose to return to work, how important is it for me to have things on my resume that are related to my field during the years that i am a SAHM? Do employers these days respect that you have a chunk of your resume that was dedicated to parenting, or do they see it as a negative?

I become so frustrated when asked this same question and my obvious initial response should be none of your business, but people will ask! I believe that right now I am doing the most important job of my life and phrase it just like that. No amount of education can prepare us for parenthood. I have been out of my field for 12 years now, but often am anxious to return to work. Then I hear of an upcoming project/assignment/field trip etc, and realize being a SAHM is better than using my education any day!

I've woked a couple of PT jobs while home to fill my time, and most employers appreciate that I chose family over career! It's very surprising.

[Akash]

Ah, now I know why it's '3weddings' :cheesygri

[3weddings]

Ah, now I know why it's '3weddings' :cheesygri

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

I get that often...lol...No it's not MY 3 weddings....it's the three I will be paying for one day!! :D

I suppose it should be 3CollegeEducations! :cheesygri

[ERIKAAMORRIS]

We did the only thing we could to make sure someone would always be home....I got to do night shifts! 12 hrs per night, 3 nights a week. My son will be in FT school starting in September.

Well, it is mostly by choice as I love working in healthcare and liek being busy.

I like being a mom too (ds is 5 yrs old) but feel incredibly lonely most of the time with only 1 child and few family or friends within shouting distance. Thank goodness for RFD.

I'd love more kids but it's not to be, so i baby my patients instead.

If anyone in the NW GTA wants to playdate...I'm game... park across the street with summer water play...i make good treats, tea and coffee...

;)

erika

[patrob]

We have (7 month old )boy/girl twins as well and two older boys(3 1/2 and 7) and I've been a SAHM since my second son was born. The daycare cost for 3 kids and after school for the fourth child would be unreal so it's cheaper for me to stay at home right now. I won't have all four kids in school for another 4 1/2 years so I feel your pain and there are days I wonder if I'm going to survive too..LOL

I know how it is...especially with having twins, it is so much different than just having 1 baby...a lot of people ask me how I managed taking care of 2 babies when they were small, etc....Sometimes I ask myself the same question :D , but as they get older, it gets slightly easier until they start fighting/screaming over some toys :D ... I remember how it was when they were that small...Wish you luck, since it's a very hard job with Twins :) :)

[NSMum]

I know how it is...especially with having twins, it is so much different than just having 1 baby...a lot of people ask me how I managed taking care of 2 babies when they were small, etc....Sometimes I ask myself the same question :D , but as they get older, it gets slightly easier until they start fighting/screaming over some toys :D ... I remember how it was when they were that small...Wish you luck, since it's a very hard job with Twins :) :)


Thanks. When we first found out we were having twins, we were absolutely terrified. We knew just how hard it was taking care of one baby and now there was going to be two to look after. We didn't know how we were going to do it. It's amazing how you can adapt when you are put to the challenge. It hasn't been all sunshine and roses(we have done it pretty much by ourselves and dh works full time), but mostly it hasn't been as bad as I pictured it was going to be. The babies are really good natured and thankfully weren't colicky. We've been very fortunate. But, I'm glad I didn't have triplets or quads..LOL I really don't know how those parents do it.

[Diamondog]

I am looking forward to being a SAHF starting mid April! Wife will go back to work but only for 7 months as we have another on the way. Gov't takes care of their own in terms of parental/maternity leave so hopefully something will work out that we'll both be home until she's ready to go back after number 2.

[sparx]

I wish I were a SAHM, but I am a single parent and have to work. My youngest is 11, oldest 18 now so its not so bad anymore.

I do work for our School District tho so i have 18 days a year where I can stay home with pay with a sick child, or I can take time off with pay to go on field trips/assemblys etc.... So i guess I am a lucky Working mom.