To think it's a bit sad that both people nowadays need to work to afford a household?

[Lowef]

I know this isn't a popular opinion on MN but was thinking how rubbish it is that today mostly both parents need to be working to be able to afford the basics of food, clothing, rent. mortgage etc for the family without being on the breadline.

I have really fond memories of playing with my mum in the garden planting pots, watching her cook whilst i sat on the worktop. She'd collect us from school everyday and on fridays she'd have baked some warm muffins, sweet buns which were still warm and fresh from the oven. She'd give some to my friends too. She taught me so many things like sewing, cooking, gardening (she was very green fingered), growing veg. She spent alot of time with us kids and i look back at those days really fondly.

In comparison I am nothing like this with my children - I just don't seem to have the time and energy for the things she did. I can't bake cupcakes in time for the kids school pick up as they're in the after school club. Dinner is a quick whisk up whatever I have in the freezer / fridge , I'm too frazzled and tired for spending lots of time with the kids. DH is the same.

In an an ideal world i would love to be a SAHM and have more energy and time for my family and myself too instead of just rushing through life. The years are going by so fast and most of my energy and life is taken up by work. The children are growing up so quickly.

Not sure if anyone else feels the same too or if ill get an MN roasting!

I usually came home to an empty house as my parents both worked full time. I never minded and I enjoyed the freedom and I think it helped my independence. I would make myself toast, watch tv, walk to the shop for sweets, draw, play out with friends. I would also help by setting the table, peeling potatoes or making basic desserts for dinner. If I’d come home to my mum it certainly wouldn’t have been for her to teach me to sew or bake cakes. She just isn’t like that. I did enjoy the day a week she was home during winter though, as that meant we would get a dinner out the oven instead of fried/grilled, which I always found pleasing. I think we can all be inclined to romanticize being a better parent in different circumstances. I’m guilty of it myself.