SAHM's - what do you do all day to fill the time?

[LancsDad]

I'm a SAHD and have been on - and off for 6 years.

It's harder than any job I have done and I'm used to being asked this type of question by male mates etc. but non of them are prepared to swap for a week. :-)

But twice in the last 2 weeks I've been asked this question by recently returned to work ex SAHMs. I was gobsmacked and more pissed of with them as they should know what I do, and no they weren't joking.

What's your question?

It is bloody annoying - yes - but it depends how much time you spend interacting with your children, what activities you do, how often you go out, the ages of your children, if/how much housework you do, whether you work from home too, hpw many children, your routine and most of all if you actually enjoy it - if they are returning to work because they hated it then "filling the time" is a valid question if, like me, they love it then the question is irrevelant.

turn it on it's head and ask them what they think you do all day or alternatively run down the list from 6am to midnight in all it's glory - the good, the bad and the ugly. I, however, prefer to tell them with a massive grin that I sit around all day drinking gin and smoking fags ...

I am a SAHM in a country where it is highly unusual. Which means there are no parents' coffee mornings or playgroups or soft play centres open in the week (they only open at weekends, and days when there's no school).

I get asked this a lot because people can't really even conceive of it.

I used to say, "well, on Mondays I take my DC swimming and then to the park and then for lunch and then we meet friends and then......" but it still didn't add up for the sneerers questioners.

Now I just reply, "lie on the sofa, watching black and white movies and eating bon bons...jealous?"

I found being a SAHM far harder than being at work. Seriously. I applaud you all x

Are you sure they were being rude and not just have been trying to start a conversation on what you and the children like to do together?