OFFLINE

This is something that I sometimes struggle with, especially when the holidays come around, feeling guilty for not working. I am wondering if this is a common thread among SAHM's. I LOVE staying at home with my kids and I know how much of a blessing it is to stay home with my kids. But, when money gets tight, I feel like I should be working or doing more somehow. My husband says that things are fine and that I don't need to worry about it so I try to just believe him and not worry about it. What do you ladies do when/if you feel this way? Is this a common feeling with SAHM's?

OFFLINE

I feel that way sometimes.  Its hard not to in today's society.  

OFFLINE

I feel this way a lot, especially because I had a pretty well paying job that I quit to stay home with my son.  Two things that help me deal with this.  Number 1 my husband asked me when I talked about the money I could be making..he figured the difference between my pay and daycare and then asked me if someone paid me that amount to stay away from my kids for 40 hr/wk would I do it.  When put that way, I wouldn't even think of it.  The other way I look at things is you never see a kid complain that they spent to much time with their parents.  You see them work harder to have things because they didn't get everything handed to them, but how many times do you see someone say my dad worked hard and my mom took care of us and stayed with us and we didn't have a lot, but that was important. Lots of times. And lots of times you see kids with everything that wish more than anything in the world they had more time and attention from their parents?  It makes me feel better to think of it that way.  I have also tried doing some things at home to help with income.  I tried to sell some things that I make, and I coupon to save us money.  All of these things help me.  I hope you are working through it okay.  

OFFLINE

I have felt pretty guilty sometimes about being at home with my girls and not out making money. I just felt like I wasn't a productive person even after reminding myself that I was probably saving money in the long run by not paying for childcare and by having more time to cook at home and things like that. It doesn't help that a lot of people don't see it as work. I still get a lot of "oh you just get to sit around all day and play with the kids" and stuff like that because people don't realize that it's often tougher than a real job with no sick days or time off. The worst for me was not having "my own" money to spend on things. I didn't like always having to ask the hubby for anything I wanted, especially when it seemed like it was a frivolous thing that would "waste" what little money he earns. I tried making jewelry to sell, and I tried learning to sew, but it turns out I am just not good at that stuff. Finally I tried Ebay which has been working pretty nicely for me. I go to yard sales and thrift stores to find things to sell online and I am lucky enough to have in laws who own a retail store and who have extra stuff to sell that I get a commission from. I don't make a ton, but it is enough so I can have a little personal money and that helps a lot with feelings of guilt. I also have a super supportive hubby who reminds me that things that I want aren't always a waste of money because I need some stuff for myself that doesn't revolve around the children and the house and he makes me take some "me" time even if I don't think I need it

OFFLINE

I am a the same position part of the year. You see I am a one-on-one aide at a school I chose to do this instead of being a teacher because I wanted as much time with my kids as possible but still work the problem is a make far less then what a teacher makes (which is much already). My problem is that I go through two separate emotions throughout the year. Parts of the year like the summer or around holidays when money is tight I feel guilty for not working a higher paid job or getting a job during the summer. Then during the school year after spending three months with my boys I feel guilty for working. I always feel like I need to fill our summer and weekends with so many activities because of working and take little time for myself because of the feelings of guilt.