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sahm survey

5K views 135 replies 125 participants last post by  mrspineau 
#1 ·
1. how old are you?
2. how old are your kids?
3. what does dp do for a living?
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
5. how long have you been a sahm?
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
9. do you have a support system?
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?

gotta make breakfast will post my answers at naptime!
 
#52 ·
1. how old are you?
31
2. how old are your kids?
5.5, 4, 2, and 7.5 mos

3. what does dp do for a living?
Corrections officer at the county jail

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
MIHOW (maternal/infant health outreach worker) and Literacy specialist for grassroots non-profit org serving rural women in three counties

5. how long have you been a sahm?
6 years

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
Depends - I would consider a part-time job that I'd enjoy, with a flexible schedule so that Dh could be home with the kids. (Partly because paying for childcare would negate the money!)

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
some days 4+ hours, some days I don't do anything more than cook, clean up spills, and wash the dishes. We've had a couple of decluttering days, so downstairs looks like a bomb went off and it will probably take 6 hours to recover. (But a ton of junk is leaving the house tomorrow morning! Yay!)

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
LLL, soccer, SpiralScouts

9. do you have a support system?
Yep, amazing friends here, and my family is a great support even though they live several states away.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being there for all my kids' moments! Having freedom in my schedule to do whatever we want when we want.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Never getting a moment to myself, feeling overwhelmed/tired and not being able to get some space to recenter; not feeling free to do things for myself

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Absolutely!
:
 
#53 ·
1. how old are you? 34
2. how old are your kids? 2 (triplets)
3. what does dp do for a living? Interior designer
4. what did you do before being a sahm? did dh's bookkeeping and a sahw
5. how long have you been a sahm? 3 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? forever and ever and ever
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? not much. (I have a housekeeper)
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Art class and Shabbat class. Plus a playgroup.
9. do you have a support system? nope
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? My girls
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? loneliness
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes
 
#55 ·
1. how old are you?
34

2. how old are your kids?
3yo and 4yo

3. what does dp do for a living?
DH is deceased

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
hairstylist

5. how long have you been a sahm?
since 2004 (though I was a stay at home wife for 2 years prior) DH died in 2005 so I've been doing it just over 3 years on my own.

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
indefinitely. I work PT at home as a writer but it is a struggle. but something I am committed to at this point!

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
not enough usually. we are messy. and you can tell how much I've been working by the state of my house!


8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
it varies. park, library, meet ups with other single parent families, hiking. no organized activities though.

9. do you have a support system?
not enough.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
being able to be there and not miss a moment!

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
isolation. time management as I don't currently have a partner.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
yep! I wouldn't trade this time for the world!
:
 
#56 ·
1. how old are you?
43 -- I feel so old after reading about all these young moms.

2. how old are your kids?
14, 12 and almost 4

3. what does dp do for a living?
self-employed contractor

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
web site manager/publications editor

5. how long have you been a sahm?
nine years; worked parttime before that (since oldest was born)

6. how long do you plan on being a sahm?
unlimited. May go back to substitute teaching once dd2 goes to school but then I would be on the same schedule

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
Daily: basic kitchen cleanup, picking up around house, laundry
Weekly: "big" cleaning like floors, vacuum, bathrooms - no more than two hours total

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
older kids do sports at school
DD2 will take a 45 min ballet class; library storyhours; playgroup twice a month with MDC mamas/kids; play in yard; cook at home; play games; read

9. do you have a support system?
friends and neighbors

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
being there for my kids before and after school; taking part in school activities; going to their sporting events;

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
dh sometimes wonders what I do all day

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Oh, yes!
:
 
#57 ·
1. how old are you?
30

2. how old are your kids?
5 and soon to be 7

3. what does dp do for a living?
pipeline welder and supervisor for high voltage underground transmission installation

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
insurance agent and plumbing technical support for Kohler Plumbing

5. how long have you been a sahm?
seven years

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
According to dh, forever.


7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
: Every day? That depends on what's going on.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
At the moment, soccer.

9. do you have a support system?
somewhat

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being there for my kids and being free to travel with dh when it works out

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being the only one at home most of the time to deal with everything day and night.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Yes
 
#58 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mkarntz View Post
1. how old are you?
31

Quote:
2. how old are your kids?
8, 7, 6, 4

Quote:
3. what does dp do for a living?
Network administrator

Quote:
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
I was in grad school and I worked doing customer service and administrative work

Quote:
5. how long have you been a sahm?
almost 9 years

Quote:
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
undecided.

Quote:
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
an hour or two
[qoute]8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?[/quote]
school, preschool, dance, sports (depends on the season), playgroups

Quote:
9. do you have a support system?
I live about an hour from my fabulous family, and I have a lovely circle of like-minded mama friends.

Quote:
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
spending time with my kids, of course

Quote:
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Before my kids were in school, it could be very overwhelming at times.

Quote:
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
yes. If I wasn't happy with my life I'd make changes.
 
#59 ·
1. how old are you? 35, 36 on september 25th.....

2. how old are your kids? 14, 9, 16 months, expecting 4th in 1/2009

3. what does dp do for a living? He's an engineer...

4. what did you do before being a sahm? Customer service rep, administrative stuff...

5. how long have you been a sahm? 9 years

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? probably until the youngest are in school most of the day...maybe 7 more years... that's a guess.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? As little as possible... I'm not a clean freak...
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? I like to garden, read, knit, walk.... My son is in soccer, guitar, school chorus.. My daughter is in between stuff right now...First year of high school trying to get used to that, she will be doing school activities...

9. do you have a support system? I have some really good neighbors that are helpful when needed. But all family is far away..

10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Flexibility with my days..spending time with kids, not having to put them somewhere else during the day. Building this life that I never thought I would have...

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? Lonely at times.. it can be very isolating. also boredom....

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? I am happy with our decision that I would stay at home.. It is challenging having one income at times, and fighting the boredom.. But I really think this is important for me to be home to be with our kids...
 
#60 ·
1. how old are you? 27
2. how old are your kids?3.5 years and 7 months
3. what does dp do for a living?stunt man
4. what did you do before being a sahm?dancer
5. how long have you been a sahm?3.5 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?forever, we will homeschool
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?about 1 hour, sometimes more sometimes less
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?dd1 does gymnastics 2x a week and dance 1x
9. do you have a support system?yes, a few friends and my mom and sister
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?seeing my children do amazing things, knowing I am there for them all the time
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?the relentless cleaning. the constant touching. I'm bad about taking breaks...
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?yes I am. I am tired, but happy
 
#61 ·
1. how old are you?

im 23!

2. how old are your kids?

3.5 and 2

3. what does dp do for a living?

Landscaper

4. what did you do before being a sahm?

baker

5. how long have you been a sahm?

since the day i got pregnant

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?

till my last ones in school however i need weekend work now

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?

honestly not enough maybe 2 hours or 3

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?

we do tons science center, library, we unschool preschool

9. do you have a support system?

well i talk on the phone

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
getting to watch them explore their world and not missing a thing

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?

trying to do it all to the best of MY standards

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?

yes! i hope to homeschool for a while too is money allows
 
#62 ·
1. how old are you? 31
2. how old are your kids? Almost 22 months
3. what does dp do for a living? Currently manager at a restaurant while getting MPA
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Made a lot more money than now!
Immediately before I was an editor on a residential ocean liner
5. how long have you been a sahm? 22 months plus 5 months of pregnancy
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? until no longer homeschooling
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? ugh, by the looks of things not enough, but we try to make cleaning fun. How do you fit in cleaning, playing, cooking, eating, personal hygiene, napping, and MDC?!

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Toddler gym.
9. do you have a support system? No
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being the one parenting my son.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? Lack of adult socialization and appreciation.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Oh yes, wouldn't change it for anything!
 
#63 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Shahbazin View Post

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? I wouldn't *not* wish to be a SAHM, but it's really hard when your DP feels that bringing in the income is all he's obligated for; I really expected more help with the actual parenting gig.
I'm so happy to hear you say that! I feel the same way about DP. I've been having a hard time coming to terms with it.
 
#64 ·
1. how old are you?
25, turning 26 in November

2. how old are your kids?
almost 7, almost 3, and almost 14 months

3. what does dp do for a living?
He works offshore on an oil production platform. He is a lead operator.

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
Worked mostly in medical records departments of two hospitals. I also was a church secretary for a while, yuck.

5. how long have you been a sahm?
5 months now.

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
Until my littlest goes to Pre-K in September 2011, and maybe beyond, because we might be having another little one around that time.

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
Not much. 30 minutes maybe.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
My oldest plays soccer, basketball, and tee-ball in season. (Right now we're doing soccer and about to start practicing for basketball.) My daughter does ballet, tap, and gymnastics.

9. do you have a support system?
Yes, my mom lives 1/2 mile from me and doesn't work, so she helps me a TON.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being able to do whatever we want all the time.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Nothing?

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Blissfully.
 
#65 ·
1. how old are you? 21
2. how old are your kids? 21 months and another one due late Jan.
3. what does dp do for a living? Security Officer at NASA
4. what did you do before being a sahm? flipping burgers at McDonald's
5. how long have you been a sahm? a little over 2 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? for as long as the kiddos need me
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? It really depends on how much ds lets me. I'm lucky to get us showered and dinner cooked most days
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? none, we're homebodys
9. do you have a support system? Yup, Dh is my go to man
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being with the little one, watching him grow and learn new things
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? I so miss my privacy, extended periods of uninterrupted sleep, using the bathroom alone
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Yup, some days I want to jump out a window but overrall I wouldn't change it for anything
 
#66 ·
1. how old are you? 26
2. how old are your kids? 2 months
3. what does dp do for a living? Systems Development Engineer for the State of Oregon
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Nanny
5. how long have you been a sahm? 4 months
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? As long as I can (I may watch other kids at home for extra $$)
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? Heh - not much. Some days are better than others.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? None right now
9. do you have a support system? DH and my mom over the phone - DH's family also lives within 10 minutes
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? having my own schedule!
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? not having the time right now to keep the house like I would like to
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? I wouldn't change it - I love it and I'm so glad that we are able to keep me at home.
 
#67 ·
1. how old are you?
26

2. how old are your kids?
6 (7 in Nov), 4 (5 in Oct), and almost 9 months (on the 19)

3. what does dp do for a living?
Air Traffic Controll

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
I was working and in college

5. how long have you been a sahm?
Since dd#1 was born

6. how long do you plan on being a sahm?
Not sure. I'd really like to be a wahm and homeschool my kids. But if all my kids are in a non-homeschool then I'd look for a job during the hours they're not home.

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
It varies depending on what's going on that day.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
girl scouts and gymnastics.

9. do you have a support system?
yes

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being here with my kids especially when they need me and not having to answer to someone else for the time I put into them.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
the lack of appreciation I get.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
most of the time.
 
#68 ·
1. how old are you? - I am 35
2. how old are your kids? - 14, 10, and 5
3. what does dp do for a living? - I am a single mom
4. what did you do before being a sahm? - I became a SAHM right away, so before that I was in college
5. how long have you been a sahm? - almost 15 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? - I will continue to work part time, but don't plan to work full time until my kids are all grown
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? -
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? - I am active in our church - Sunday School superintendent and Food Pantry coordinator, and I also clean our church. I also work part-time for our township, but I work just a couple of hours a week most of the year (tax work, so their are busy times) and I can set my own hours. My oldest daughter is in high school marching band and volleyball now, and will run track in the Spring.
9. do you have a support system? - my parents are very helpful for those late night pickups for the oldest when the other two are sound asleep
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? - being available for my kids
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? - loneliness
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? - yes. Since my kids only have one parent active in their day to day lives, I am very happy that I can be pretty much available for everything they need.
 
#69 ·
1. how old are you? 25
2. how old are your kids? 5, 3 1/2, 22 months, and I am 33 weeks pregnant
3. what does dp do for a living? sub officer in the navy
4. what did you do before being a sahm? I was a SAHW, I worked about 10 hours a week at a vintage clothing shop before we were married.
5. how long have you been a sahm? since may 2003
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? forever

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?I clean after the kids eat, have one major chore for each week day, and I do a final clean up for bed. Probably 2-3 hours total depending on what my major chore is. Sometimes more if The kids are especially happy to entertain themselves and something needs to be done.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? We have a moms group/playgroup once a week. That is our only organized activity.
9. do you have a support system? I have a wonderful husband who does as much as he can and a MIL who comes to help for a week or so after every baby.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being able to just pick up and go somewhere, only having my husband's schedule to work around.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? I can't think of anything.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Yes.
 
#70 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mama_ani View Post
though I think it'd be good if my kids had a sahm while in high school.
:

Darn right. I plan on being home in the afternoons when my children get home from school - all the way through high school.
I have to say in fact, that I believe that middle school/high school is one of the MOST important times for children to have a parent at home when they are home.
 
#71 ·
1. how old are you? 37
2. how old are your kids? dss- 25, dsd-24, (dd-8, dgd-3- these two are at home), dgd-1
3. what does dp do for a living? computer systems architect
4. what did you do before being a sahm? enforced clean water act
5. how long have you been a sahm? 8 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? forever
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 1hour
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? community life, carry for MIL, girl scouts
9. do you have a support system? yes
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? being with the kids
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? when I am overwhelmed.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes
 
#72 ·
1. how old are you? 28 years
2. how old are your kids? DD is 2 years
3. what does dp do for a living? Truck driver and/or salesperson
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Business owner - organic landscape and garden design and maintenance
5. how long have you been a sahm? 3 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? Forever
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 1-2 hours
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? API playgroup
9. do you have a support system? No, moved to a new state 8 months ago, no family or friends here, dh works 12 hrs a day 6 days a week
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Seeing my sweet baby girl change every day
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? Being lonely
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Yes
 
#73 ·
1. how old are you? 26
2. how old are your kids? baby girl, 11 months this month. hoping to have 3 more in the future.
3. what does dp do for a living? high school chemistry teacher.
4. what did you do before being a sahm? i was a substitute teacher getting ready to get my masters.
5. how long have you been a sahm? 11 months.
6. how long do you plan on being a sahm? not sure, but it would be in the way way future when my kids are grown and out of the house. if it is a flexible wah job i would probably do it a little sooner.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? i dont keep track since it is always ongoing.. i pick up things/clean things almost hourly. i do have a designated clean day where everything is mopped and dusted and that takes a few hours.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? none so far, we just moved to a new city but once we are settled i plan on getting involved in lll and some other mom networks and enrolling my baby in swim classes or little gym.
9. do you have a support system? my husband is the best support system and my mom loves that i am a sahm.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? being at home with my baby and getting to interact with her and not miss out on special moments. being available to her when she needs me. not having to go to work and have that added stress.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? the limited "me" time. honestly, id rather be doing this than anything else so i am pretty happy.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? very.
 
#74 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ks Mama View Post
:

Darn right. I plan on being home in the afternoons when my children get home from school - all the way through high school.
I have to say in fact, that I believe that middle school/high school is one of the MOST important times for children to have a parent at home when they are home.
ive heard/read that too. that the most imp. time to be a sahm is when the kids are in HS. if my mom didnt have to work or if she were just more available to talk, im sure i wouldnt have been as rebellious as a teen.
 
#75 ·
1. how old are you? 32
2. how old are your kids? 13, 3 and one in the belly
3. what does dp do for a living? He's a project manager for the Department of National Defense.
4. what did you do before being a sahm? I was a research assistant for the ministry of Environment.
5. how long have you been a sahm? 3.5 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? At least another 5 years, it depends on whether we homeschool the 2 younger kids.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? less than an hour.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Preschool, scouts, rock climbing, acting lessons, homeschooling, playgroups, swimming
9. do you have a support system? Yes, I have a few SAHM friends I get together with once a week, a wonderful DH and my Mom lives down the street.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being with my kids.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? Being with my kids? Sometimes it can get monotonous. My DH works out of town and is only home on the weekends so evenings can be lonely.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Yes, if I wasn't happy I would go back to work. I chose this life and I feel incredibly blessed that it is possible for us.
 
#76 ·
1. how old are you? 29
2. how old are your kids? 6.5 years and 17 mo
3. what does dp do for a living? Delivery driver
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Stylist assistant in a salon
5. how long have you been a sahm? 7 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? As long as I can.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? It depends, about 1-3 hours
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Nothing structured except school.
9. do you have a support system? just my husband. He is great!
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being with my children. Watching them grow. Not missing out on anything.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? Sometimes it is overwhelming
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? ABSOLUTELY! I would not trade it for anything!
:
 
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