Justification

[Carrotsandcauliflower]

Hi does anybody else feel that their role as a SAHP is undervalued and sometimes not respected by wider society.
I often feel I have to explain myself- that I made the choice to be a stay at home parent for this reason or that, to justify my lifestyle.
I get the feeling people think I’m dumped on, or allowing myself to be burdened.
I don’t feel like that at all, I feel like this is right for me and my family and that I made the choice because it’s best for us and our kids. That they will flourish with my time and input.
I lost my mum young from a condition that runs in our family, and the notion of cramming in as much contact and time with my children has been a big driver. The condition may never affect me but it has helped shape the way I view the finite time I have.
Just wondering what made you become a SAHP and how you feel about it.
There doesn’t seem to be much chat on this area- just thought it may be nice.

Hi there I 'stayed at home' until mine was 5.5 It worries me that it's so undervalued it's such an important thing to do for your child. It helped me I had another friend who was also a sahm . Now I work part time but I work so hard on my 'days off'. It bothers me that mum work is so taken for granted. I hope you enjoy your time with your children.

I don't think that being a SAHP is valued in wider society at all, most women return to work after mat leave and it is encouraged and normal now. It doesn't really bother me tbh, I don't need to feel valued in that wider sense, just by my family.

Several things effected my decision to be a SAHM, my mum died when I was an older teenager( but still young I think) and it did contribute to it I think . My mum and dad both worked ft and between them worked shifts/away at times, it's interesting that both my sister and I became SAHMs.

Dubious-Yep I also don’t think it’s seen as a valuable roll by wider society. I’ve decided to try not to allow myself to feel like I need to explain my choice anymore.
When it comes up in conversation I tend to feel like I should have a reason for staying home other than wanting to do it and thinking it’s best.
I’ve even had people saying to me -oh why didn’t you do this job or that bit of work from home. It’s like they feel it’s not enough- not a valid choice.