I'm working on an article for care.com about "things not to say to stay-at-home moms." I'm sure a common one is "What do you do all day?" Do you have others? What kinds of comments really get under your skin?

Thanks!
Amy

I have never been a stay-at-home mom, I had always worked. That was until I lost my job. I was out of work for 5 months, at home with my 2 kids and it was so stressful! So how about, isn't being a stay-at-home mom so much easier than being a working mom? As you can see I have a new found respect for SAH moms.

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 9, 2012, at 3:28 PM, "Amy L." <stayathomemoms@groups.care.com> wrote:

>

I actually find it kinda annoying when someone asks "what did you used to do?" Like, well since you do nothing now, what did you used to do that mattered?...maybe they don't mean it like that but it always comes across to me that way.

My favorites come from my husband... It's usually him trying to tell me how I can fit in a task he's asked me to do for our small business.. "You can do it when he takes a nap" or "it's a simple phone call, I don't understand how you have TI make time for that...?"

For sure my favorite came from a single-childless neighbor "So what is it you do all day?". And I never knew how to respond, but now my son is two and a half, I'm realizing I can't possibly know what it is I do all day because I don't have the time to sit back, ponder my plan and execute.. Everything I accomplish is littered with interruptions from chatting, to boo-boos, to lunch, to disasters with water, to pet accidents, to naps, to teaching opportunities, to streaking baby.. It is no wonder I crave a pat on the back on occasion because there are days when it's a miracle I even accomplish a bathroom break for myself!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 9, 2012, at 12:28 PM, "Amy L." <stayathomemoms@groups.care.com> wrote:

>

Hi Everybody,
This is the first time I've posted to the group!  I love when my significant other tries to tell me "ways I could increase productivity".  Obviously he's never spent much time alone with all 4 kids.  Apparently I should have no problems cleaning, cooking and shopping while 3 kids are at school and I'm home potty training a 3 year old.  Ugh, that statement has caused more than one argument! 

 
 


________________________________

Thanks ladies! Keep them coming. Jacquelin, I know what you mean. When I'm home with my 2 year old, I consider it a huge accomplishment if I can make a phone call.

I so had to forward this to my husband.  I hope he finally understands I am not the only mom going through this or that I am just bad at "time management" as he puts it.
 
Thanks so much for  your comments!!
Jodi

I get WOW ..your so smart you wanted to do that ! ..or so you don't work?

..CAN YOU DO THIS FOR ME OR PICK THIS UP FOR ME ...I KNOW YOU HAVE TIME SINCE YOUR A SAHM..YOUR NOT BUSY

My best one is from my husbands ex who gets her daughters for the weekend. She will honestly look at me and say well I told the girls if they want to do this or that then they have to get you to do it for them because I don't have the time and it's not like you work. I have a 2 year old at home and then I raise her 6 and 8 year old who I will attempt to citing everything for but she only works 3 days and then has 3 full days at home before she gets the kids for 2 days but I'm the one that has a ton of time and it's just her and her husband. Kind of burns me up.:)

"I wish I could just stay at home all day" .... "oh you do school, so you do do something" ...."You can't make a phone call, I guess you haven't learned how mothers multitask, you'll figure out how to be a mom eventually"...."you need a babysitter, aren't you at home with them already"...."I invited you because I knew you weren't doing anything"...."You should try working and being a mom, I do what you do and more"...."make sure you take naps when they're napping, must be nice to sleep during the day"...."you should get some hobbies"...."you're just really into kids or something?"....omg the list is endless i could honestly keep going! I've been told so much it's ridiculous.

Heard this at church on Mother's Day. "Never apologize for the time you spend with your children."

This struck a chord with me and am no longer defensive if people are shocked that my child is at home with me and not in a daycare.
Soon enough she will be off to school and influenced by her peers. She needs this time with me and I with her!

"Your house must be so clean"...If only it was that easy!