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

[springchik]

Whats wrong with full time mum?

meh

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 !!

I'm not sure what the issue is here?

I think the term 'mum' implies full time.

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

Whats wrong with referring to yourself by your name?

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

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

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 .

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.

may should be many!

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

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?

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.

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

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

I am a 'domestic engineer'

I say I'm a housewife

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.

lol!

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

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

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

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...)

that was lol was referring to fruitspooks btw!