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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What’s with all the hate for SAHM

254 replies

Howarewealldoing · 05/01/2026 17:01

Following on from a post yesterday( who did work) but everyone assumed they didn’t. If they don’t sign on ,I don’t understand all the negativity. Or why some people get so worked up about something that doesn’t affect them .

OP posts:
PollyPlumPeach · 06/01/2026 13:36

Putneydad7 · 05/01/2026 18:42

I'm a SAHD and my wife has a big job in the city. I used to have similar job to my wife, but her trajectory was better. I hated my work and was happy to give it up. But my teenage kids are very rude about my life choice and say I just watch TV all day, which of course I don't (because I've finished Netflix JK).
However I do feel a bit of a failure despite my wife saying I have the "life of Reilly" going to the gym, playing tennis, etc.
So it isn't all a bed of roses.
Oh and if say there was a law that there had to be a SAH person in every relationship, housing would cost half as much and we wouldn't both need to work FT, but therein communism lies.

If your kids are teen-agers, you're not a SAHD. You're just unemployed

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 13:44

PollyPlumPeach · 06/01/2026 13:36

If your kids are teen-agers, you're not a SAHD. You're just unemployed

Technically if he isn't claiming any unemployment related benefits then on any official stats/paperwork/whatever then he isn't "unemployed" - just "not working".

FellowSuffereroftheAbsurd · 06/01/2026 14:00

Mothers get ire no matter what we do. I find it tends to lessen as kids get older, though there are some intense debates on adult children around here.

We're also in a culture that for decades has progressively made success, ambition, 'living our best life' and so on only something we do through paid work, even though we're also a culture and society that relies on people volunteering even within employment for things to function & most people's ideas of enjoying life is often what we do outside of work/what the work is paying for.

I've been SAHP and WOHP, as has my husband. We've both had ire in different ways, his to a lesser extent and largely around what I should be doing though he's had the weirder shite while being a SAHP like mothers using him as a threat to get their kids to behave. I don't think it has to do with jealousy in most cases - I think quite a bit of it is disagreement that is being interpreted as hate and that culturally, many things have become 'sides' or 'camps' to either defend or attack that can be hard to disengage from.

For example, it' very common to discuss the risks of being a SAHP. It's not an assumption that it's risky to financially depend on another, it's just a fact that there are certain risks there and that SAHP have a different risk assessment to consider compared to parents who are in paid employment. Both have risks, different risks depending on the situation, and risks that can change - and rather than discuss both, it tends to devolve into dismissing the risks entirely. That doesn't help anything.

They don't want to do the work we need doing. They don't want to move to where the jobs are....We have loads of areas where we need workers

I agree we have loads of areas that has work that needs doing and in desperate need of more skilled workers - but are those areas actually able and willing to hire British young people?

Engineering and cyber security notoriously are training a glut, but as you mentioned, companies tend to recruit abroad. It's not because there aren't young people here for those jobs, we have companies making a ton training loads of them. It's because it's cheaper - and less protection - to hire abroad for those jobs that aren't location dependent or don't need to be in the UK. We literally have British companies that will pay young people to train as deckies and marine engineers, but many in the field has been shouting for years about issues with the conditions, the fire and rehire practices, and that attempts to legally protect them means Western Europeans including Brits aren't being hired, most young people doing these cadetships advertised as being paid to get qualified go onto ships with no other Brits, doing 6-12+ weeks of 12 hours every day, for maybe £800 a month and a promise of a job at the end that most never see because companies are only doing the cadetships for the cheaper labour and to pretend they're doing something altruistic to get the funding the UK government gives for this, while they get most of their labour elsewhere with fewer protections.

Childcare - I know young people trained in SEN childcare and SEN TAs, areas that have had severe shortages for years, but where is the funding? It's largely going to use these young people as cheap apprentices and then have them stuck on the books of multiple agencies on the hollow promise that maybe one day they can get a permanent position or they move onto other work. Some into delivery drivers since that's largely easy to get into gig work.

I don't think many young people can afford to move without work in the ways many of us did in the past, unless they know someone they can crash with in the mean time, but I know more than a few that have tried, moved for these schemes to train and put young people into trades and more that chews them up with the training funding they get and no job or job support at the end.

Blaming young people for that, claiming the higher unemployment rate for young people is down to them not wanting to do the work needs doing, is bullshit. Some, sure, but we've plenty of young people who've been sold promise after promise that if they work hard, if they go into these shortage fields, if they move to areas with more shortages, if they take the short term pain, they'll get the long term gain and it has failed many of them. The only ones gaining are the corporations using the young adults and the government who keeps putting the blame on young people while ignoring their role in the cause.

Ithinkihatethislittlelife · 06/01/2026 14:04

Howarewealldoing · 06/01/2026 13:23

But then that has everything to do with your marriage and less to do with being a stay at home parent. Your husband money is your money you are married. So you are being financially abused and should get support.

You are missing the point.

Yes. It all goes into a joint account. But I can’t just do with it as I please as I could if I earned my own wage and there were two lots of money coming in.

If one person stays at home, it’s never equal. And I say that as someone who’s husband does more than his fair share of household responsibilities and things for the children.

I wish I had lived my life differently. My children have been no better off having me at home. In fact, if I had my own life and was happier, I would have been a better mother.

Mithral · 06/01/2026 14:05

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 13:44

Technically if he isn't claiming any unemployment related benefits then on any official stats/paperwork/whatever then he isn't "unemployed" - just "not working".

Definition of unemployed is if you're seeking work - you don't need to be on any official stats. Either way this guy is not unemployed anyway.

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 14:30

Mithral · 06/01/2026 14:05

Definition of unemployed is if you're seeking work - you don't need to be on any official stats. Either way this guy is not unemployed anyway.

Generally though if someone is seeking work they will be claiming some kind of unemployment benefits (which you have to be searching for work or you lose the benefits).
(Obviously if you can afford to live without claiming while actively seeking work then that's slightly different).
So yes....we are both correct really.
You could say he's a "homemaker" or "househusband" if a name really needs to put on it.

Brainfogtothemax · 06/01/2026 14:48

FancyCatSlave · 06/01/2026 13:33

Not all relationships are abusive no. But not all relationships last either and abusive relationships can start at any time. It isn’t necessarily extensive, it can be very subtle and just enough to keep a woman from entering employment or progressing in their career, or having friendships or hobbies or any reach that might “give them ideas”.

But I don’t understand why anyone would actively choose to put themselves in a vulnerable situation. Roughly one in four marriages fail and where one party is financially dependent that’s an awful lot of risk - that’s disregarding the women that aren’t even protected by marriage. Hundreds and hundreds of posts on here every year. They all think it won’t happen to them, and then it does.

I was raised to have ambition and to expect equality in relationships- that’s what I am passing on to my daughter. Women should never be subservient to men. Men do not come
first, their careers shouldn’t come first, they are not worth more, outside of infancy they do not need to be the primary caregiver. Fathers should be expected to take equal care of their children.

The refuge example was just an add on to my previous post. I know many people that are in unhappy relationships that they are trapped in due to financial dependency (as least they perceive that they are). There is absolutely nothing desirable about that.

I’ll carry on with my career in widening participation in HE and women in STEM - we make a difference but it is only a drop in the ocean whilst society still peddles the misogynistic twaddle that so many fall for. Especially in the city I work in which is Asian majority - the things I see there are heartbreaking but it’s evident in all demographics.

I’m just not buying it that being a long term SAHM is in anyones best interest unless you have genuinely independent means. Not everyone needs a career but it shouldn’t be the default that mothers sacrifice theirs. It’s equally true for men or for same sex couples obviously. But the pool is much smaller.

What are your thoughts on staying at home until the child goes to school?

popcornandpotatoes · 06/01/2026 14:50

ChristmasHug · 05/01/2026 17:16

My only negative take on SAHM is that they can end up in a very vulnerable position, particularly if not married.

Otherwise crack on, working mums also get hate. You can't win.

This. Some of us who have been on MN for a long time read the same story again and again of women left in awful situations with no money and no job due to dickhead men. That is why people raise concerns about it. Other than that I have no issue with SAHM

PumpkinSparkleFairy · 06/01/2026 14:52

I would love to be a SAHM! Sadly I’m the higher earner 😂

Howarewealldoing · 06/01/2026 14:59

Ithinkihatethislittlelife · 06/01/2026 14:04

You are missing the point.

Yes. It all goes into a joint account. But I can’t just do with it as I please as I could if I earned my own wage and there were two lots of money coming in.

If one person stays at home, it’s never equal. And I say that as someone who’s husband does more than his fair share of household responsibilities and things for the children.

I wish I had lived my life differently. My children have been no better off having me at home. In fact, if I had my own life and was happier, I would have been a better mother.

That’s your own personal experience and I hope you manage to plan for a happier future. What ever that may be.

OP posts:
CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 15:14

People always jump to “it must be jealousy”. But while that may be true sometimes, it’s certainly not true for everyone. My DH earns enough that I could be a SAHM if I wanted to. But I don’t want to!

I wouldn’t say I hate SAHMs, but I must confess that the ones I meet are quite dull. They are not doing anything interesting so while good at small talk, they tend to be less interesting overall because they are not engaged with the world in the same way someone who works is. And I do find it annoying when they complain about being too busy.

I wouldn’t enjoy being a SAHM because being a full time parent and looking after a house is rather boring. I love my job because it properly engages my (slightly overactive!) brain. I feel very satisfied and fulfilled by my job and I didn’t particularly enjoy my mat leave for this reason - because I found it relentlessly dull.

All of that said, I cannot imagine hating someone for having made that decision. It’s their life and they are free to live it the way they want. It’s just not for me. And I think many others feel similarly - but it is interpreted as hate and/or jealousy because some women feel insecure about their decision not to work so give any even slightly negative comments far more weight and animosity than is intended.

Violetdress · 06/01/2026 15:31

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 15:14

People always jump to “it must be jealousy”. But while that may be true sometimes, it’s certainly not true for everyone. My DH earns enough that I could be a SAHM if I wanted to. But I don’t want to!

I wouldn’t say I hate SAHMs, but I must confess that the ones I meet are quite dull. They are not doing anything interesting so while good at small talk, they tend to be less interesting overall because they are not engaged with the world in the same way someone who works is. And I do find it annoying when they complain about being too busy.

I wouldn’t enjoy being a SAHM because being a full time parent and looking after a house is rather boring. I love my job because it properly engages my (slightly overactive!) brain. I feel very satisfied and fulfilled by my job and I didn’t particularly enjoy my mat leave for this reason - because I found it relentlessly dull.

All of that said, I cannot imagine hating someone for having made that decision. It’s their life and they are free to live it the way they want. It’s just not for me. And I think many others feel similarly - but it is interpreted as hate and/or jealousy because some women feel insecure about their decision not to work so give any even slightly negative comments far more weight and animosity than is intended.

Saying someone is dull, less interesting, not engaging their brain and not engaged with the world is more than ‘slightly negative’ wouldn’t you say?

Most people would find that insulting and they wouldn’t be wrong! You would need to try hard to post more condescendingly 😅

Frettle · 06/01/2026 15:58

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 15:14

People always jump to “it must be jealousy”. But while that may be true sometimes, it’s certainly not true for everyone. My DH earns enough that I could be a SAHM if I wanted to. But I don’t want to!

I wouldn’t say I hate SAHMs, but I must confess that the ones I meet are quite dull. They are not doing anything interesting so while good at small talk, they tend to be less interesting overall because they are not engaged with the world in the same way someone who works is. And I do find it annoying when they complain about being too busy.

I wouldn’t enjoy being a SAHM because being a full time parent and looking after a house is rather boring. I love my job because it properly engages my (slightly overactive!) brain. I feel very satisfied and fulfilled by my job and I didn’t particularly enjoy my mat leave for this reason - because I found it relentlessly dull.

All of that said, I cannot imagine hating someone for having made that decision. It’s their life and they are free to live it the way they want. It’s just not for me. And I think many others feel similarly - but it is interpreted as hate and/or jealousy because some women feel insecure about their decision not to work so give any even slightly negative comments far more weight and animosity than is intended.

What way are working people engaged in the world that SAHMs are not? Complaining about colleagues and work stress? Not quite sure what you mean by that statement.

There are other things to do besides work - being a SAHM doesn’t mean you “aren’t doing anything interesting”. What a rude thing to say.

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 16:00

@CuriousKangaroo
My working life was pretty much "remove roll cages from truck, remove boxes from roll cages, remove stock from boxes, place on shelf".
Would that be an interesting enough conversation for you?
Why do you think SAHPs aren't doing anything "interesting"?

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 16:15

Goodness me, everyone has got a bit chippy. I was quite clearly responding to the OP’s question about why some people may view SAHP’s negatively with MY perspective. And yes, I’m afraid I often do find SAHMs a bit dull. Not all, but many.

Obviously SAHPs may be doing other interesting things, like a hobby, I meant that they aren’t doing interesting things day to day.

Yes, some jobs are dull but lots aren’t. If you think all working women do is complain about their jobs, then you need more interesting friends. I have drinks planned this weekend with a group of working mums from DC’s school and they include a photographer, someone working in film, a senior NHS consultant and an immigration lawyer. The conversations we will have are on average more interesting than when we go out in a larger group which includes the SAHMs - and not just about work but about politics and books etc too. Because living a different life provides a different perspective.

Again, it is everyone’s personal choice. No one hates you!

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 06/01/2026 16:17

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 15:14

People always jump to “it must be jealousy”. But while that may be true sometimes, it’s certainly not true for everyone. My DH earns enough that I could be a SAHM if I wanted to. But I don’t want to!

I wouldn’t say I hate SAHMs, but I must confess that the ones I meet are quite dull. They are not doing anything interesting so while good at small talk, they tend to be less interesting overall because they are not engaged with the world in the same way someone who works is. And I do find it annoying when they complain about being too busy.

I wouldn’t enjoy being a SAHM because being a full time parent and looking after a house is rather boring. I love my job because it properly engages my (slightly overactive!) brain. I feel very satisfied and fulfilled by my job and I didn’t particularly enjoy my mat leave for this reason - because I found it relentlessly dull.

All of that said, I cannot imagine hating someone for having made that decision. It’s their life and they are free to live it the way they want. It’s just not for me. And I think many others feel similarly - but it is interpreted as hate and/or jealousy because some women feel insecure about their decision not to work so give any even slightly negative comments far more weight and animosity than is intended.

What is so interesting about VAT returns, payrolls, etc for most people? A discussion on the great giant marshmallow case - are giant marshmallows subject to VAT or not, compared to marshmallows sold as confectionery, or mini marshmallows for hot chocolate?

I work with DH and one of his best friends, we’ve known over 40 years. So, not much new there either to discuss?

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 16:19

@CuriousKangaroo some SAHMs read books and follow politics too 😂
You must have unfortunately just met some dull people.
Not everyone can be interesting - whatever path they are following in life.

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 16:20

@BlueandWhitePorcelain oooh I NEED more information about this marshmallow issue.....

esperanza5 · 06/01/2026 16:23

The people who always come on to say SAHMs are boring always have the most boring, mediocre jobs imaginable. Literal brain rot, but I suppose someone has to do it. Takes all sorts to make the world go round.

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 16:24

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 16:19

@CuriousKangaroo some SAHMs read books and follow politics too 😂
You must have unfortunately just met some dull people.
Not everyone can be interesting - whatever path they are following in life.

I agree with all of that! I was speaking in generalities only, and from my own experience.

CuriousKangaroo · 06/01/2026 16:25

esperanza5 · 06/01/2026 16:23

The people who always come on to say SAHMs are boring always have the most boring, mediocre jobs imaginable. Literal brain rot, but I suppose someone has to do it. Takes all sorts to make the world go round.

What an odd assumption!

esperanza5 · 06/01/2026 16:30

They always set great store by some job role that nobody actually gives a hoot about. We all know these people. A lot are on these threads.

user593 · 06/01/2026 16:33

Ithinkihatethislittlelife · 06/01/2026 14:04

You are missing the point.

Yes. It all goes into a joint account. But I can’t just do with it as I please as I could if I earned my own wage and there were two lots of money coming in.

If one person stays at home, it’s never equal. And I say that as someone who’s husband does more than his fair share of household responsibilities and things for the children.

I wish I had lived my life differently. My children have been no better off having me at home. In fact, if I had my own life and was happier, I would have been a better mother.

It’s not like this for everyone. My DP bought our house in joint names. It’s now paid off (not by me), his salary is paid into our account, any left over I divide into savings accounts in our individual names. If I wanted to book a solo holiday, I’d tell him I was going to do it (mainly for childcare reasons) but then I’d just do it. I bought a couple of nice things in the sales and haven’t mentioned it. I wouldn’t expect him to do the same.

Morepositivemum · 06/01/2026 16:34

Ithinkihatethislittlelife

I wish I had lived my life differently. My children have been no better off having me at home. In fact, if I had my own life and was happier, I would have been a better mother.

Except when your kids were sick you had a choice about keeping them home to get better, and you could be there to look after them, when your kids needed a lift somewhere you could offer it, you could help or at least be there for homework etc etc etc. You being there has helped more than you think.

My kids definitely do not have a better life because I work, life for them is rushed, being shunted from one place to another, with cranky, wrecked parents, oh and we’re not better off for it. And if we split I’d still be financially fecked because I’m on a small wage!! And everyone I know where there’s two working parents are burnt out, stressed, trying to juggle housework, feeling like they’re failing at life. People on Mn makes work to be the best option, not sure it is

PollyPlumPeach
If your kids are teen-agers, you're not a SAHD. You're just unemployed

Nice you decided to stick a knife in there. And you don’t stop parenting just because they’re teenagers, there’s still the running about and looking after, still the house needs to be kept up etc

Putneydad7

my friend is always told she has the life of Reilly too, it’s horrible

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 06/01/2026 16:34

Needmorelego · 06/01/2026 16:20

@BlueandWhitePorcelain oooh I NEED more information about this marshmallow issue.....

This summarises it better than I could:

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/coa-mega-marshmallow-vat-treatment

Mini marshmallows are zero rated, standard size marshmallows are standard rated and mega marshmallows are to be determined by the First Tier Tribunal, which needs to consider if mega marshmallows are eaten with the fingers or not?

CoA: Mega Marshmallow VAT treatment hangs on whether they are ‘eaten with fingers’

Companies in the food and drinks sector must pay close attention to potential VAT treatment when developing new products, as a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in London shows that the treatment often hinges on small details, a tax expert has said....

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/coa-mega-marshmallow-vat-treatment

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