Reasons to be a SAHM

[Guest guest]

Hi Karina, I worked full-time after having DD1 (quite a stressy job

doing family law). I went back to work when DD1 was four months old

and we had a nanny. I expected to do the same after the birth of DD2.

However, when DD2 arrived and I realised how quickly DD1 had gone from

helpless little dot to " big girl " , I felt I was really missing out.

Fortunately I am able to work very part-time (25 hours per month)

which keeps my hand in and gets me some money and allows me to use my

one remaining brain cell occasionally!).

The best things are:

1. Being able to understand what your toddler is talking about as

you have been with her all day as opposed to in court or with stressy

clients or stuck in a stuffy office.

2. Experiencing life through their eyes - the amazement they have

for everyday things we just take for granted.

3. The fact that DD1 no longer sobs every morning as I go off to

work. She is quite happy to be left with Grandma or Nana for the

days/hours that I work.

4. The fact that not working F/T means that I have a bit more time

for me (selfish I know but essential for my mental health!). Now that

DDs are a bit older I can potter around doing housework and gardening

etc during the day instead of frantically trying to spend " quality

time " with them when they were awake and dashing around doing chores

when they were asleep. Means I can play on the computer much more!

That's all I can think of ATM but am shattered due to going to bed at

1am and being summoned by the imperious DD2 at 5.15am!! Sure other

people can come up with lots more. The only other thing I want to say

is that I do not regret it all and just wish I had done it sooner.

Francesca

Mum to Kezia (3), Lily (15 months) and no. 3 (EDD 21.3.02)