About 'using your brain'

[mandalena]

Can someone explain me what they mean when they say 'i m going to work because i want to use my brain'? I find this very insulting for SAHM and nannies
p.S. am NOT attacking working mums, only those who say this

I went back to work after having the babies because I was exhausted with being a mum and needed a rest. Even the 40 minute drive was a nice protected space. Now (DSs at secondary school) I do it for the money, and because if I stayed at home I would probably become a bit of a hermit. The brain thing is definitely a red herring - and insulting. Parenting takes huge amounts of brainwork whichever way you do it.

I notice that a lot of SAHMs who say that ARE using their brain perhaps have children in school so have TIME to use their brain in an adult capacity a little bit more - and reflect on their parenting

When you are at home with pre-schoolers it is a very different kettle of fish

Good gravy, I'd like the time to have 40 minutes to turn my bloody brain off after a day with pre-schoolers. Working in a bar was much easier. Messier, though.

I have to think on my feet when I am in the middle of making scrambled eggs and the "I'm finished" call comes from the bathroom. Its a bit like being Jack Bauer really.

Lol Madameplatypus.
I haven't used my brain since my (long) Univeristy years.

Snurk at MadameP

I think that some people can get intellectual stimulation out of small children - I know my mother did, but then she's a teacher and is fascinated by children's development. My brother and I had many cruel tricks played on us in the name of educational science. I, on the other hand, do not find small children intrinsically fascinating. However, I do find it a big emotional and social challenge looking after them, and in those areas I have definitely learned things in the last five years that I would not have learned had I been at work.

lol madamep

I HATE it when I am cooking and I need to wipe up poo

The two do NOT go well together

I love being with my son, but I couldn't stand it 24 hours and 7 days. Going out to work makes me a happier and a better mum.

I do not need the money and I work full time PURELY for my pleasure.

oh yes pistachio

It was a big breakthrough for me when I realised that I should be working to DS1's timetable (within reason) and not vice-versa.

I'm sure that the flexibility, patience and low cunning you learn as a SAHM stands you in good stead when you do go back to work.

lol jack bauer madameplatypus.
morningpaper: Yup. just give me one, One, ONE minute to finish an idea.

In general agree this is not simply about using mind. It's about having space to: use mind, fart, wave hands in air like you just don't care, anything.

policywonk at being experimental child with cruel tricks played by parents! not kept in a child-rearing box though, i hope?

Oh no no obm, was joking. Although she did once tell me, when we were about to set off on our holidays, that there wasn't enough money to buy me an airplane ticket so I was going to be sellotaped to the wing

I am just about to go back to work after six years at home, and i am currently rooting through boxes looking for my "brain that can do paid work" and some proper shoes

hahaa mine did that too. Seriously.
Are we related? Or was it common joke in mid to late 70s? (making big assumptions here - perhaps you are 19?)

Oh yes, am 19 (nods vigorously)

How strange that your mother said the same thing.

TEST TO SEE WHETHER YOU ARE RELATED TO POLICYWONK:

Are all the men in your extended family called 'Glyn' and all the women 'Nancy'?
Do you shed (head) hair so prolifically that everyone you have ever lived with has complained bitterly about it?
Is your abdomen roughly five times the length of your legs?

i am SAHM

brain there nothing is wrong my with

Everyone has a different sort of brain. My brain is extremely taxed by being a SAHM because I am not sufficiently organised to run my house smoothly. That's why I am doing voluntary work talking morals and rules to teenagers - because I am sick of feeling a failure and I want to do something I can actually succeed at!

PW, no, yes, no. And the third question scares me. I am put in mind of an ant.

Really. I am practically the same height sitting down as I am standing up. Am a Freak.

Wonky, do you really have a long body, or are your legs extra short?

only ask as I have a really short body and look like a miniature person whilst driving a car

I am tall-ish (5ft 9in) and with loooong body and shortish legs. My driving instructors (I had several ) always looked bemused when I got in the car and grazed the ceiling, even when the seat was fully lowered. So I must look like a giant to other drivers I suppose.

Maybe we should drive around together to give people a laugh.

we could have a sunstrip made up

WONKY FANNY

lol test for wonk genealogy. Answer no,no,no. How disappointing..
Nancy Wonk? it's a lovely name!

lol at 'WONKY FANNY'

we must do it