To think being sahm to 2 primary aged kids is the life of Reilly?

[Mummyusername]

Just that really. My youngest will start school soon and Im imagining having the perfect combo of me time and then kids' hubbub after school.
Just wondering if I'm missing something though as when working I imagined having way more time on my hands when at home than I actually seem to have?

[TwoDogsNoHorse]

As long as you get into a good routine to get stuff done and don't stretch it out/put things off/engage it too much time wasting stuff then I think it can be rather a good life!

I did have a bit of a smile when a SAHM of 2 primary kids said to me (reduced hours to school day working mum), when I had the day off during term time, that she wishes she could have a day off . Apparently some days her husband popped home and he had to make him a sandwich and it interrupted her housework routine.

[Micah]

er no, its not. I'm "SAHM" to two primary aged kids. It's like working 7am-9pm.

I've never been so busy. You are basically cook, housekeeper, maid, personal assistant, accountant, chauffeur, laundress, personal shopper, letter writer, researcher, all those little jobs your DH doesn't "have time for".

If I hear "can you just do x today" one more time. I have too much to do as it is, check your own train times!

[ImBatDog]

you find ways to fill it :)

my dad passed away recently, so i spend a couple of days a week with my mum.

The other days are filled with school runs, housework, and with having one child with SEN, appts to do with him... although i do still get plenty of 'me' time, it still never seems enough.

[ImBatDog]

i meant it never seems there's enough time in the day, btw!

[Lilicat1013]

It sounds pretty good to me, that is what I am looking forward to but it is a much longer way off for me.

I look forward be being able to have something for myself again, to be able to leave the house by myself, to be able to do basic things like walk round the shops or go to the library (eldest is autistic and youngest will likely get a diagnosis soon, it's complicated!)

[Artandco]

Micah - but surely you fill the time with those things? Ie most people could do while food shop, any other shopping, sort letters, research etc in about an hour online after work..

Dh and I both work full time. So still do all of above also, we don't let children starve!

[Greywackejones]

I def second getting organised on what needs doing. I'm sahm. I won't do big washes of clothes, hoovering or certain 'house' jobs at weekends. I refuse.

Otherwise you get resentful that you are 'always' working and others (eg DP) isn't pulling weight/as busy/resting when you 'can't'.

[Greywackejones]

Mn bingo has started. Was waiting for a 'I work 100hrs you are lazy'

[ImBatDog]

same here grey. i just gave up my weekend job after 10 years because it didnt feel like we were getting any family time.

i actually looking forward to being able to find some fun things to do with the kids on the weekend for the first time in years :)

[Mummyusername]

But you can't taxi and cook for ppl while they're at school Micah. I understand how there could be some errand to run every day so though I could have two days a week when things like that are done.

[fredfredgeorgejnr]

Micah You don't sound like a SAHP, you sound like a PA to your DH, perfectly reasonable if that's the job you want to do, but don't assume it's other SAHP's job or the expectation of other DP's wth a SAHP.

[Artandco]

I didn't say that. I'm saying they are choosing to spread many chores across the week rather than consolidating into one evening if needed. Yes you can go food shopping Monday morning, then to m and s to buy school socks, then elsewhere. Etc. x 7 days, but that's a choice. You could do food shop and m and s order on phone whilst waiting at school gate, and get delivered. Saving at least 2 hrs on that alone

[wobblyweebles]

I'm a SAHM to three school age kids and it is definitely the life of Riley. I can't imagine saying I never get a day off or that I'm 'always working' - I'm really not.

[FATEdestiny]

I am SAHM of 3 at primary school and 1 baby. It definitely is the life of riley.

Love my life

Zillion times better than spending the day teaching other peoples kids, like I used to.

[GokTwo]

Well everyone is different. I work 3 days a week and feel as if that is truly the perfect balance for me. I honestly don't know what I would do with myself if I was home every day.

[Ifyourawizardwhydouwearglasses]

YANBU.

I'm a SAHM to a 2 year old and a baby. I've also worked out of the home.

Being a SAHM, although full on is v nice as you're at home (on the sofa mumsnetting!). Once they're packed off to school it will be easy peasy. How could it not be?

[Stitchosaurus]

I can't wait! I work two days a week out of the home and just have one dc, those other 3 days are going to be amazing. He's just gone up to one full day at nursery a week and even though I do miss him, that day is just pure luxury!

[FaFoutis]

YANBU. It sounds great, wish I could do it.

[DamsonInDistress]

I'm in this position now and to be honest it's a bloody great life!, those who say otherwise are either martyrs or idiots.

[ImBatDog]

i dont get a day off, but as i said, i have a child with SEN, so i CANT do any housework when he's at home, i have to do it during school hours.

the screaming over the noise the hoover/washing machine make and the smells of any cleaning products just aren't worth the hassle.

[SoupDragon]

The flip side is you have to deal with people judging you or asking whether you are planning on getting a job when the youngest starts school.

[notnaice]

It was great. Time is your own to organise as you wish. Plenty of "me" time.
I never got bored. Always had plenty of options to fill my time.

How I miss those days.

[morethanpotatoprints]

Hello OP

I like variety and would be bored without it tbh, so sometimes I get work done in morning, other days its afternoon and occasionally at night.
I couldn't stand getting up and facing a whole house everyday it would drive me mad.
I always make time for myself and refuse to do jobs that others have time to do themselves, but will help out and take the load off any family member when the time arises.
My dh works from home a lot so he does quite a lot of domestic and maintenance and we both share H.ed of dd. Then sometimes he works away which gives potential to do things differently again.
I love the freedom to come and go as we please and the variety means there's no boredom.
There is no way I would go back to working for somebody else now, I enjoy my freedom too much.

[Micah]

Yep. I'm a martyr and an idiot.

Thanks.

[ArsenicFaceCream]

OP are you sure you're not a bit confused about your own circs? You don't sound like a soon-to-be-SAHM-to-primary-DC

Reverse?