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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!
 
#2 ·
1. how old are you?

29, 30 in Jan.

2. how old are your kids?

11, 8, and 21 months. 21w5d pregnant with #4.

3. what does dp do for a living?

US Army, enlisted -- he's NCOIC for a clinic on post (basically an administrator for the clinic)

4. what did you do before being a sahm?

College student+substitute teacher+Weight Watchers meeting leader+Mary Kay sales, then college student+manger/photographer for a photo studio

5. how long have you been a sahm?

6 years in December

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

Another 5 or 6 years at minimum, unless it becomes no longer financially feasible

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

Depends on the day, but typically 2 to 4 hours

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

We're a 1 vehicle family, so right now it's just school for the boys and Bumble Bee Bookclub for the little one (walking distance). We have done Cub Scouts in the past and have looked into several other programs, but many things are cost-prohibitive.

We also don't want to overload the kids.

9. do you have a support system?

My husband. Heh.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?

I am able to really know what's going on with my children. I know their interests, dislikes, history, personalities, etc. very well. I enjoy being able to spend time with them and really, truly know them. It's a very fun thing to discover who your kids "are"!

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?

Some days I feel like I'd have less physical and mental exertion if I worked outside the home, LOL.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?

Very much so. We (DH and I) believe it's the best fit for our family.
 
#3 ·
1. how old are you? 31
2. how old are your kids? 2yo twins
3. what does dp do for a living? truck driver, gone 5 days a wk
4. what did you do before being a sahm? bank teller
5. how long have you been a sahm? 11 mo
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? until they're school age, maybe longer if we homeschool
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? depends on my mood! anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? mostly parks, walks, and the library
9. do you have a support system? yes, thank God! My family lives close and helps out a lot since dh is gone all week.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? being able to be w/ my boys, not having to rush through a work day and come home exhausted.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? getting bored sometimes with the same old day to day stuff
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Definitely
 
#5 ·
1. how old are you? I admit to 26 but really I'm 26+6


2. how old are your kids? 13, 12 next month, 10.5, 2.5, and 5 months.

3. what does dp do for a living? Autism Support Worker

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
High school student

5. how long have you been a sahm? Just over 13.5 years

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? Until my youngest has left home. I homeschool so I'll be home at least until my youngest goes to high school though I think it'd be good if my kids had a sahm while in high school.

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? Probably 2-3 hours in total.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Babywearing group (the older ones take turns attending with me) kids: swimming lessons, 2 church youth groups

9. do you have a support system? I have a very good friend who lives a 20 second walk from me, my mom is in town and I have my husband who is my biggest support.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm? I can "go to work" in my pyjamas. I get to be the one who witnesses my kids' firsts. I can see what a difference I'm making every day.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? The expectation that I am also responsible for all housework. The lack of respect people have for sahms.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Yes.
 
#6 ·
1. how old are you?
37

2. how old are your kids?
DD will be 7 in a few weeks & DS is 4 1/2

3. what does dp do for a living?
he's a umc worship pastor

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
social worker

5. how long have you been a sahm?
since my son was born

6. how long do you plan on being a sahm?
no plans to work again (for money anyway..i work my butt off, lol). i love it!

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
dunno. a lot. but i'm weird like that.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
well, we homeschool. so we have a lot going on. arts & crafts class, spanish class, 4-H club, knitting club, playdates, park days, etc. i als o take pottery once a week just for me
.

9. do you have a support system?
yep

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
being with my kids all of the time. taking care of my family. being involved and hands-on in their lives.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
being with my kids all of the time. taking care of my family. being involved and hands-on in their lives. - lol. honestly, what is a blessing one day can feel like it's smothering me on another day. when that happens...it just reminds me i need to take care of my own needs too.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
couldn't be happier!!
 
#7 ·
1. how old are you? 38

2. how old are your kids? 19, 7, 18 months

3. what does dp do for a living? special ed teacher

4. what did you do before being a sahm? legal assistant, I did this after ds1 started back to school, then again after ds2 started back to school, not sure if I will go back again this time

5. how long have you been a sahm? 7 years with ds1, 5 years (part time at 4) with ds2, almost 2 years this time around, so far, and hopefully much more.

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? I'd love to do it forever, but not sure if we can continue indefinitely with only one income. We can survive, but we'd like to go on vacation and that kind of stuff in the future.

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? According to dh, not enough! In my opinion, too much! LOL! Maybe 2-3 hours total - does this include making dinner, then it might be more.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Right now, ds2 is in soccer, over the summer it was baseball. Ds1 is in college, so his activities are his business (I probably don't even want to know!), and dd and I go to toddler time at the library once a week.

9. do you have a support system? Nope. Dh is supportive sometimes. but no close friends or family.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being here for my dc.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? loneliness, unappreciation

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Very! Overall very happy, best "job" I've ever had, but somedays I feel very alone.

Sorry for typos - nak of course!
 
#8 ·
1. how old are you? 35
2. how old are your kids? 4 (two kiddos)
3. what does dp do for a living? field examiner/accounting
4. what did you do before being a sahm? middle/high school teacher
5. how long have you been a sahm? 4 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? I plan to homeschool so as long as my kids are homeschooled I plan to be primarily a SAHM.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? depends on the day; an hour? Not sure and rarely all at once.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? For organized activities just library programs and church stuff. We're rural so there really isn't much offered around here.
9. do you have a support system? friends, family
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Not missing anything as my boys grow up.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? I don't know; some days are pretty frustrating/irritating/whiney around here. But I don't really dislike anything.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Very.
 
#9 ·
1. how old are you? 28

2. how old are your kids? 6 months

3. what does dp do for a living? graphic artist ("user interface specialist", "supernerd") and Anglican worship pastor

4. what did you do before being a sahm? youth ministry and oncology nursing

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

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? as long as i have kiddos that need stay at home mothering

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? averages about an hour

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? my child is an active member of the breastfeeding and poop in your pants club.

9. do you have a support system? a long distance one, yes. we are working on selling our house and moving closer to our friends and family.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm? being firmly rooted in the foundation of my family. i love that i don't have to "make time" for my home and family.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? cleaning the cat box. since i'm home the most, the annoying jobs fall to me just because they annoy me the most. there's no "oh, i'll do it when i get home."

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? absolutely. i am so thankful that i get to do this!
 
#10 ·
1. how old are you? 28
2. how old are your kids? 2 years
3. what does dp do for a living? He's an Environmental Advisor/Supervisor for a major oil company in Northern Alberta and Northern B.C.. Makes sure that everyone is following the proper guidelines for drilling and disposal.
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Was a SAHW for a few years until my residency paperwork went through, before that I was an office assistant for a tree/shrub farm.
5. how long have you been a sahm? 2 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? Until my kids are in school or until they're done school if we decide to homeschool.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? A couple hours probably. More if I don't stay on top of it.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? I horseback ride with some friends, we swim, we've done Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots, and I'm registering for a Yoga class to start next month.
9. do you have a support system? Huge support system, we live within minutes of a bunch of family & friends, so anytime I need anything, I can usually find someone who'll help. Same goes in reverse, of course.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Being able to set our own schedule based on what we need each day. Getting snuggles any time of day.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? feeling guilty if I leave DD with a sitter so I can have time to myself.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Absolutely.
 
#11 ·
1. how old are you? 36
2. how old are your kids? 7 & 3 (both having bdays next month)
3. what does dp do for a living? welder
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Sewing factory worker
5. how long have you been a sahm? 8+ years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? as long as humanly possible
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 30 min. or less
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? nothing really we dont do play groups or anything like that
9. do you have a support system? sort of
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? not having to get up in the AM and go to work
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? money is very tight
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes wouldnt have it any other way
 
#12 ·
1. how old are you?
31
2. how old are your kids?
15 months
3. what does dp do for a living?
works for railroad company
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
rest.manager/waitress
5. how long have you been a sahm?
15 lovely months

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
forever
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
a few hours
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
nothing right now
9. do you have a support system?
i don't know any neighboors, family lives 1000's of miles away, I rely on dh for pretty much everything
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
spending time with my beautiful boy
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
the worry that I depend on my dh for everything, that I don't have a career of my own
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
:
:
:
:
 
#13 ·
1. how old are you? 29

2. how old are your kids? 5 y/o ds

3. what does dp do for a living? dsm for usa today

4. what did you do before being a sahm? worked for dh's business

5. how long have you been a sahm? 5 yrs

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? until ds begins all day school, then i will work pt from home

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 30 mins-3 hours, depending

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? activities that we do together...anything outdoors, camping, swim classes, library classes

9. do you have a support system? dh...and my mom who is 6 hours away


10. favorite thing about being a sahm? being with ds each day, watching him grow from itty bitty baby into the sweet little "big boy" he is now

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? where we are at I have little adult interaction a day during the week

12. overall are you happy being a sahm? absolutely positively
 
#14 ·
sahm survey
1. how old are you? 30
2. how old are your kids? Corbin is almost 27 months, 6 months pregnant with Morgan
3. what does dp do for a living? quality control at a manufacturing plant
4. what did you do before being a sahm? office manager at a staffing agency, before that I worked at boarding kennels
5. how long have you been a sahm? since a few months before Corbin was born
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? until my 2nd child is in pre-K
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? depends, sometimes I let everything go until the next day. Being pregnant wears me out
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? I am a member of a local moms group on meetup.com. We usually go to one playgroup a week. And once or twice a month I'll be doing scrapbooking with the moms, we just started it up regularly
9. do you have a support system? just the moms group...but I usually don't go to them with any problems, I'm kinda shy about that. I guess this forum is my real support group.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? I get to see my kids grow up
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?I get restless staying at home and not going anywhere, but due to budget and gas prices we have to stay at home often
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes
 
#15 ·
. how old are you?

44

2. how old are your kids?

8 and almost 5

3. what does dp do for a living?

technical team lead

4. what did you do before being a sahm?

marketing exec

5. how long have you been a sahm?

8 years

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

indefinitely

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

1 hour? I have a cleaning lady.

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

me-volunteer in both girls' classes, as well as for afterschool activities (i.e.-students' newspaper, etc.)

dd1-guitar, newspaper
dd2-gymnastics

9. do you have a support system?

no family nearby

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?

being able to experience what I do with them, and always being available

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?

um, I really like some of the moms I have contact with, but I don't really ID as a sahm or ubermom, or any of that

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?

yes I am-I've made it be on my terms.
 
#16 ·
1. how old are you?
just turned 26!
2. how old are your kids?
DS is 6yo, DD is a month away from 3yo and YDS is due any day now!
3. what does dp do for a living?
Umm, installs, maintains, and updates software for cardiology machines at hospitals and via internet from home. Atleast that's how I understand it.
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
Office admin for a restaurant, also bartended and served
5. how long have you been a sahm?
a little over 3yrs now
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
Forever!!
not sure really though, atleast until they are all in high school
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
Lately way more than usual because I'm trying to prepare for baby, but usually only a few hours spread out. 3 max, I stink at all things domestic.

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
We are part of our local MOMS Club. We go to the park, storytime at the library and a playgroup pretty much weekly. Then whatever extra cirricular the kids decide on in the next month or so.
9. do you have a support system?
Besides the MOMS Club, and hubby, not really
Hubby is home a lot though so that is great, but I was spoiled to having my family around when we lived in my hometown. It was basically like 4 people begging me to let them take care of my kids, my parents are amazing and my two brothers are the best uncles ever.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Mostly just that I get to spend so much time with them, it goes by so fast as it is, I can't imagine not being at home with them all day. Childhood should be much longer, atleast for the mommy's sake.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
That I feel like I really should have no excuse for having a chaotic house, but that's totally my own issue.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Soooo happy!!
: I definitely would not have it any other way and thank God for the blessing every day.
 
#17 ·
1. how old are you?
28
2. how old are your kids?
2 & 4 (Soon to be 3 & 5 in October & December)
3. what does dp do for a living?
Carpentry
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
Office work / waitress
5. how long have you been a sahm?
*Almost* 5 years
6. How long do you plan on being a sahm?
As long as possible - I am starting to brainstorm ways to contribute to our income and remain home with my children.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
Very little now - early pregnancy is kicking my butt.
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
We meet with other pre-K homeschooling mothers and their children weekly for crafts, etc. We usually have one or two playdates each week as well.
9. do you have a support system?
I was a member of the MOMS Club, and I have kept many friends I met there. They are my best support.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
It makes following my instincts and "going with the flow" easy.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Not contributing to family income
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
YES!
 
#18 ·
1. how old are you? almost 30
2. how old are your kids? almost 3 and 9 months
3. what does dp do for a living? Structural engineer
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Registered Nurse, med/surg floor
5. how long have you been a sahm? 9 months
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? 3 more months, then work very part-time
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 2 hours
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? church related, play group
9. do you have a support system? NOPE, wish i did.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? seeing my kids doing stuff for the first time, mostly knowing what they are doing and they are safe.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Mostly. I am sort of isolated though so I get lonely and I do miss working. But I do like being a sahm.

gotta make breakfast will post my answers at naptime!
 
#19 ·
1. how old are you? 27
2. how old are your kids? 3 1/2
3. what does dp do for a living? renewable energy heat technician
4. what did you do before being a sahm? snowboard bum
5. how long have you been a sahm? 4 yrs
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? as long as possible, unless I wanna do something else someday

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? averaging 1 hr
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? preschool, hiking, rock climbing
9. do you have a support system? yes, but they're long distance
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? chillin'
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? would like more "me" time
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes
 
#20 ·
1. how old are you? soon to be 30!
2. how old are your kids? 5, 3, 1, 1
3. what does dp do for a living? teacher/missionary
4. what did you do before being a sahm? taught middle school and high school band and choir
5. how long have you been a sahm? 5+ years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? forever? I'm studying midwifery but want to have only maybe 1 birth a month for a long time. I also help with breastfeeding in a variety of ways.
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? none - I have a nanny/maid full time so that I can feed the twins nonstop and spend time with DS; I do straighten, organize, cook, do most of the childcare, and study
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? my oldest is in school, we go to playgroup or just out to play
9. do you have a support system? not really. I'm the freak of the playgroup and the playgroup is not supportive. We go so DS can have fun
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? freedom? I don't have to get up at 5am, teach all day, deal with stupid meetings, etc. yeah I change lots of diapers but it's no big deal. I found working really stressful and enjoy being home
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? not getting to socialize
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes totally. I'm so happy that DH can support us where I don't have to work and can focus on the children
 
#21 ·
1. how old are you? Staring down the big 3-0
2. how old are your kids? almost three and 9 months
3. what does dp do for a living? President of an IT company
4. what did you do before being a sahm? I was a counsellor for abused women and children
5. how long have you been a sahm? 3 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? Til the kids are probably in grade 1-2
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? I dunno, I just tidy as I go along
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Swimming, soccer, playdates, trips out somewhere
9. do you have a support system? Yes, very good, inlaws just down the street, mom in the same city ready to help.
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Calling the shots, making my schedule.
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? The repetition of some things. meals, changes. etc
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? Ever since getting my driver's license, very very happy.
 
#22 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mkarntz View Post
1. how old are you? 26
2. how old are your kids? 5,3 and 21 mnths
3. what does dp do for a living? US Army
4. what did you do before being a sahm? First a soldier, then a college student
5. how long have you been a sahm? 5yrs
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? Until the kids are independant enough for me apprentice as a midwife
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? 1, maybe 2 hrs
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Soccer, starting dance. The 2 oldest are in german kindergarten
9. do you have a support system? Really great neighbors
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? I get to witness my kids' "aha!" moments!!
11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? The constantness of the demands.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? yes

gotta make breakfast will post my answers at naptime!
That's about it
 
#23 ·
1. how old are you?

33

2. how old are your kids?

4, 18 months, and 18 months (twins)

3. what does dp do for a living?

teacher

4. what did you do before being a sahm?

I started in community organizing, then taught for awhile.

5. how long have you been a sahm?

4 1/2 years.

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

Until my twins start first grade.

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

It's hard to say since my cleaning is done in short bursts between cooking and changing diapers and playing with kiddos and other housework. But I work steadily from 7 am to 9 pm, with short breaks for reading or the Internet here and there.

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

I take the twins to library storytime. They mostly play outside with the neighborhood kids, and DD1 goes to preschool. We can't really afford to pay for classes and all that stuff that middle-class mamas do.

9. do you have a support system?

I have a large extended family nearby. I have an excellent support system.

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?

Seeing my kiddos grow up, having a simpler and slower lifestyle for all of us, and being able to help our family be more self-sufficient by growing and preserving a lot of our own food and making some of our clothes.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?

The days when I have three cranky kids hanging on me and I'm exhausted, especially when the weather is bad or I don't have the car. I am subject to cabin fever in a big way.

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?

Yeah.
 
#24 ·
1. how old are you? I'll be 28 in January
2. how old are your kids? 2 1/2 and 13 months
3. what does dp do for a living? computer engineer
4. what did you do before being a sahm? Grad school - I graduated right before DD was born
5. how long have you been a sahm? since dd was born (3 years in January)
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm? hm. not sure? As long as necessary, but no definite plans to work ever
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day? Cleaning? What's that? I honestly have no idea, it varies so much day to day based on how my kids are handling life

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in? Does beating each other count as an activity? How about running rampant? No? Soooo... none, I guess.
9. do you have a support system? Yeah, for the most part, but it's not like I have a guaranteed babysitter or anything and family all lives hours away, but I have a good group of SAHM friends
10. favorite thing about being a sahm? Not having to admit to being part of the "real world"
:

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm? always, always at work - no real down time
12. overall are you happy being a sahm? lately, it's been rough, but overall, I'd say yes. At least, I can't imagine it any other way.

gotta make breakfast will post my answers at naptime![/QUOTE]
 
#25 ·
1. how old are you?
26
2. how old are your kids?
5, 3, and 1
3. what does dp do for a living?
He's a technician at a dialisys clinic and building a business with rental properties
4. what did you do before being a sahm?
Working at a church retreat center and a nursing home
5. how long have you been a sahm?
5 years
6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
Forever.
:
7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
1/2-1 hour
8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
homeschooling, homeschool get togethers, church activities
9. do you have a support system?
My family
10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
I don't think I can put it into words.

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
That my "job" is never done. Ever.
12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
Absolutely.
 
#26 ·
1. how old are you?
25
2. how old are your kids?
DD is 2, DS is 2 months

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

4. what did you do before being a sahm?
Graduated college and worked as a deputy coroner/investigator

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

6. do long do you plan on being a sahm?
Until DS is in school full time

7. how much time do you spend cleaning each day?
Ugh 1-3 hours

8. what activities are you and your kids involved in?
Playgroups, tumbling class for DD

9. do you have a support system?
Yep, excellent

10. favorite thing about being a sahm?
Being able to be with my kids and see them grow up

11. least favorite thing about being a sahm?
Can be very stressful, I sometimes feel like I NEED other, productive stimulation

12. overall are you happy being a sahm?
MOST of the time
 
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