to think why should I have to refer to myself as a sahm?

[springchik]

Whats wrong with full time mum?

[GeorgeOsborne]

meh

[hambo]

It is because women who work say they are full time mums too. But just away from their children for moments of time. But still mums!!

However I do agree !!

[taintedpaint]

I'm not sure what the issue is here?

[Panzee]

I think the term 'mum' implies full time.

[springchik]

Oh I see hambo that makes sense! Wasnt trying to provoke an arguement was just curious!

[MrsMoosickle]

Whats wrong with referring to yourself by your name?

How may people actually ask what you do anyway? Nobody has asked me for years.

[MaudOHara]

I think pagwatch came up with some great alternatives - along the lines of doing as I please

[nigglewiggle]

I tend to avoid using silly acronyms and sort of ramble on about not working, but actually working very hard doing a rather important job. Most people seem to get it. Some people back away slowly .

[springchik]

Also until I joined mn had never come across the term sahm and I still refer to myself almost without thinking as a full time mum. Noones ever pulled me up on it though.

[MrsMoosickle]

may should be many!

[springchik]

When you meet people (at school gates for example as oldest has just started school) they do ask what I do.

[Talker2010]

I have never heard anyone refer to themselves as a "stay at home mum" ... I never knew the descriptor existed before mumsnet ... what makes the OP think it is a necessary one ... who is making people use it?

[springchik]

Yes I realise that cat64 but when you're a sahm it is very full time as its all I do iyswim! Also would never refer to myself as a sahm in rl as I dont stay at home just because I dont work.

[TheFallenMadonna]

I used to say I didn't work. But that gets people up in arms too.

[Talker2010]

Ah .. I see ... playground chat

I suppose the issue is that you are at home because of the kids ... but that does not define you

[fruitspooksandheBGBs]

I am a 'domestic engineer'

[WhoAteAgentZigzagsBrain]

I say I'm a housewife

[TheFallenMadonna]

I suppose it's whether you see 'mum' as a job or a relationship. Or a role - but then it starts to get complicated.

Many threads on this subject have convinced me that there is no uncontentious term.

[springchik]

lol!

[AuntiePickleBottom]

you could always say you are a home maker or a housewife

[jellybeans]

I say full time mum usually on forms etc but don't mind SAHM or even housewife!!

[EricNorthmansMistress]

It's better than housewife! I had to put H's occupation on a house form as housewife/homemaker which made me lol. Stay at home parent much nicer, and more accurate cos he sure don't make the home

[hambo]

I say I look after the children, if someone asks, (which they do all the time!).
I never say I don't work - as all I do is work! (but sadly not for any money...)

[springchik]

that was lol was referring to fruitspooks btw!