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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Worried about sister

10 replies

halfwildlingwoman · 11/01/2014 09:27

I'm trying to separate out my different feelings about this and need a bit of impartial advice.

My sister is 2 years younger than me and similar in ideas, intellect and values, but very different in personality. We are very close. She is very kind and gentle, whereas I am much more assertive and cynical.

She is married with two DC. Before she had DC1 she had an excellent career and was well respected within her field. She is highly qualified. She moved to a less well-paid and respected job in the first year of her marriage because of her DH's work. Since having DC she hasn't worked at all. Her DH has a very responsible, very demanding job with long hours and rarely takes time off, not even when she is ill. He didn't even take his paternity leave when the most recent DC was born. She says there is no point asking him to. She does all the childcare, housework, cooking and never gets a lie-in. She is also a sounding board for his ideas about work (as I said, she's bright and his work is in the same field).
She is the classic supportive housewife, who occasionally gets a nice meal out with the head of DH's organisation.
Her DH loves her and the DC very much but I feel he is ultimately very good at looking after himself and his wants and needs. He is not abusive or cruel in anyway and never raises his voice or questions how she spends money or raises the DC. No infidelity or EA.
Anyway, he has been offered a role abroad. It's a wonderful opportunity. For him. Dsis would go there, with two small children and do exactly what she does here, but without the support of her family and friends. It's a long way away, but English speaking. It would be for at least 2 years. Unless he gets flights as part of the deal it is going to be incredibly difficult for any of her family to afford to visit. (I have started saving BTW)
Now, I would be very excited for her - it is a great plan to live somewhere else for a while and if DP and I had this sort of opportunity we would go for it. But I am very anxious about her not having a job/career and being incredibly lonely with 2 small children in a foreign country. I don't feel confident about her DH looking after her and she is not the 'lady of leisure' type. Also, when he gets back he will likely take a very high up role in this organisation and her career will once again be on hold. Even when the DC are at school, she will always be playing second fiddle to his career.
Should I stop worrying about this and just let them get on with it? I do not look down on her being a SAHM, but I do think women should be able to support themselves financially if and when needed. Am I allowing my feminist principles to cloud my judgement? Or am I just wanting my little sister to stay close?

OP posts:
FolkGirl · 11/01/2014 09:40

If he isn't demanding or EA, then presumably she has made the decisions she has made because they suit her as much as they suit him and suit them as a family unit.

I'm not sure what you think you could do. You couldn't stop her, it would be unwise to counsel her to not go - people rarely appreciate unsolicited 'advice'. And, I think your advice would be motivated by your own feelings on it, rather than being objective and based on what you genuinely feel is best for her.

I happen to agree with you about women being able to support themselves, but at the same time, I would love the set up your sister has!

I think you need to accept that she is an adult and doesn't need you to worry about her to quite this extent.

QuintessentialShadows · 11/01/2014 09:46

This is not uncommon (in the uk least). Most families priorities the husbands work and mum stays home. Employers expectancies are so high and working hours so long that family would be neigh impossible if not the person most inclined to look after the young did so.

aaaaaaa · 11/01/2014 09:46

Oh gawd. Yes, i agree with folkgirl

women being financially dependent on a man makes me hyperventilate a little bit, even when i don't know them!

but its her chouce

perplexedpirate · 11/01/2014 09:50

In the UK Quint? Really?!
I assume we're talking present day and not the 1950s. Confused
Both parents work in the vast majority of families I know, with the highest earner frequently being the woman.
I thought attitudes like that went out with the ark tbh.

paxtecum · 11/01/2014 10:05

I think there is more to life than a career.

She has chosen to be a SAHM and is enjoying her life at home with her children.

If you sister enjoys her life then there is no problem.

I thought marriage was about each of you supporting the other and 'all my wordly goods with you I share'.
Does feminism over ride that?

She will make new friends if they move abroad.
But I do understand that her family here will miss her and the DCs, especially if you often meet up.

paxtecum · 11/01/2014 10:07

Pirate: Day Care nurseries didn't really exist until the 80s.

halfwildlingwoman · 11/01/2014 10:13

paxtecum, I completely agree. However, I think I am worried that actually she isn't entirely happy now and without her family half an hour away and her friends around the corner she definitely won't be.
You are right though, I am going to stay out of it and install Skype!

OP posts:
paxtecum · 11/01/2014 10:35

OP: Oh, I understand your concerns now.

I was a SAHM for several years and loved it, (though we were very hard up) but did have a network of lovely friends and saw my parents at least once a week.

I don't think there is anything more you can do.

minniemagoo · 11/01/2014 10:35

I am a SAHM, similar situation, both worked in same field. I would be devastated if I thought anyone viewed me in the way you portray your sister. It was a mutual choice for me to give up work, I love it but there are days it is tough and I would hate someone to think I wasn't coping because I have a few crap days. Even SAHMs can have them and its no different to work people having a crap day.
The advantages to our family life imo outweigh the negatives. When Dh does have his time off we get to do so much together as the shopping, cleaning etc is done. It really is down time. I love Dh sounding off me, it gets it out of the way, keeps his stress level low and both of us involved.
Whilst having family around is nice tbh its friends are a great support too so your Dsis may not be as isolated as you think.
Regarding financial security, I actually think its a shame that its felt I need to earn my own money, or that I am wasting my qualifications and other well trotted out arguments. I think it is more important that I have a financial plan incase it all goes tits up but that does not necessarily require me to bring in an individual income. I have my own pension which when I finished work has been transferred and I keep making payments. Accounts are shared completely.
If you'd asked 25year old me would I have been a SAHM for the last 10 years I'd have laughed at you but I am and it works for us.

halfwildlingwoman · 11/01/2014 10:46

Thank you minnie, that viewpoint really helps. I will try to worry less. Thank you everyone!

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