to feel put out that the 2011 census doesn't seem to recognise the value of a parent staying at home to bring up children?

[Minicooper]

Just filled in my form and got to the part where it asks about employment. No, I did not have a paid job last week, no, I was not actively looking for paid work during the last 4 weeks, no, if a job had been available last week, I could not have started it within 2 weeks, no I was not waiting for a job already obtained. AIBU to feel that the assumption was that if I'm not being paid, then I'm sitting around, watching daytime TV and sponging off the state (neither of which is true ) I finally got to tick that last week I was looking after home or family, but only after having to fill in the rest. Another example of how being a SAHP goes against the grain these days.

Thank you, Fellatio

sounds like you have time on your hands op
yabu

Yes it does sound like you have a lot of time on your hands, and nothing better to think about. Perhaps you should get a job?

It isn't a value judgement.
It's about investment in the economy, facilities etc. if there are some members of the household in paid work, and others not then that fact is evident.
And it isn't about your ego, either. It's just counting.
It just isn't necessary to take this personally.

Nina and bodyofeeyore - time on my hands?! Is this based on the fact that I'm on MN? First time I've posted like this and following this thread only. 2 preschoolers and no family. I've done every bedtime in 3 years - except one when in labour One evening out with Dh in over 3 years. Dd (just 1) has never been apart from me as no family or childcare to have her. Hence not going back to my job which involved lots of evening and weekend work. Need I go on????

relax! was in jest

You think I have time to relax?!

YABU
I can understand how you feel. But what they want to know is how many people are looking for work aka unemployed. Because of benefit system they can't work out the true number of unemployed people any other way. For example, if you and your DH are both unemployed, only your DH will be counted in the stats.

It honestly isn't a value judgemet.

If being on mn is a crime I'd be banged up before you but I don't think the census is devaluing what you do and I think it's a bit of a leap to thinking the compilers have you down as a Judge Judy regular You don't have to apologise to anyone for your choices in life. Not mn, not the census have a

Oh. ok, I'll have a if you insist! Must get dds to bed first though!