What is a SAHM? (What You Need to Know)

If you’re curious about what a SAHM is or considering becoming one yourself, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, I’ll answer the question “What is a SAHM?” and provide insight into this lifestyle.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom already or curious about the lifestyle, I’ve got you covered.

A SAHM, or stay-at-home mom, is a mother who chooses to stay at home to raise her children rather than working outside the home. This decision is often made due to personal preferences or financial considerations. While being a SAHM can be rewarding, it can also be challenging, as it requires a great deal of time and energy to care for children and manage a household.

In this post, I’ll explore some of the benefits and challenges of being a SAHM and provide tips on how to make the most of your time at home with your children.

We’ll also discuss some common misconceptions about the SAHM lifestyle and offer some advice on how to deal with criticism from those who don’t understand or support your decision.

So, if you’re curious about what being a SAHM is all about, keep reading to learn more.

What does a SAHM do all day? What is the Role of a SAHM?

Hey, there new mama!

As an experienced part-time SAHM (I work about 10 hours right now in my consulting job), I know that one of the most common questions people ask about our role is what we do all day.

Well, let me tell you – we do it all!

Our job description is ever-changing, but some of our daily tasks include feeding, bathing, and playing with our little ones, cleaning the house, running errands, and doing laundry.

And let’s not forget about the constant refereeing and negotiating that comes with having kids.

It’s a full-time job that requires a lot of patience, love, and a good sense of humor.

What is the average age of a stay-at-home mom?

As a fellow SAHM, I can tell you that there is no “average” age for a stay-at-home mom. I’m a first-time mom at 42!

Women from all walks of life and of all ages choose to stay home with their kids.

Some decide to do it from the moment their little one is born, while others make the decision to stay home later on in their child’s life.

It really comes down to what works best for you and your family.

Is being a stay-at-home mom harder than a full-time job?

I’m not going to lie to you, being a SAHM can be challenging.

There are days when you’ll feel like you’re drowning in laundry and dirty dishes, and your little ones won’t give you a moment’s peace.

But, at the same time, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Watching your child grow and learn every day is a priceless experience.

So, while being a SAHM may not be harder than a full-time job, it certainly comes with its own set of unique challenges.

Is being a SAHM considered a job? Is it cheaper to be a stay-at-home mom?

Yes, being a SAHM is definitely a job!

And it’s a job that is often undervalued and underappreciated by society.

We work just as hard, if not harder, than those who work outside the home.

And as for whether it’s cheaper to be a stay-at-home mom, that really depends on your family’s circumstances.

While you may save money on things like childcare and work-related expenses, you may also have to make some sacrifices in terms of your own career and financial independence.

It also depends on where you live and the cost of living.

We live in Los Angeles in a super high-cost area, so we’re going to have to continue to balance me being home, but also working part-time, and finding child care that isn’t so expensive that it’s not worth it.

It’s a constant negotiation of what makes the most sense.

What are some potential challenges of being a SAHM? How do you balance everything as a SAHM?

One of the biggest challenges of being a SAHM is finding a balance between caring for your children, managing your household, and taking care of yourself.

It’s important to remember that self-care is not selfish – it’s necessary for your own mental and physical wellbeing.

So, make sure you’re taking time for yourself, whether that means going for a walk, reading a book, or just taking a nap when your little ones are napping.

It’s also important to set boundaries and ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner or family and friends for support.

What country has the most stay-at-home moms?

As a SAHM, I know that being a parent can be tough no matter where you live.

That being said, some countries do have a higher percentage of stay-at-home moms than others.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the highest percentage of stay-at-home moms can be found in India, followed by China and the United States. And the rate of SAHMs hasn’t changed much over time.

Source: Pew Research Center, 2018

As for which country has the happiest parents, that’s a tough one.

Happiness is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, some studies have suggested that countries like Denmark, Finland, and Norway have some of the happiest parents in the world.

Here are some tips for being a SAHM and how to stay sane

Being a SAHM can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Here are some tips to help you stay sane:

  1. Make time for yourself: As I mentioned earlier, self-care is crucial. Find time to do things that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with friends.
  2. Connect with other moms: Joining a mommy group or connecting with other moms online can be a great way to share advice, offer support, and make new friends.
  3. Get out of the house: Even if it’s just a trip to the grocery store, getting out of the house and changing up your environment can help break up the monotony of the day.
  4. Have a routine: Having a routine can help you stay organized and feel more in control. It can also help your little ones feel more secure and know what to expect.
  5. Don’t be too hard on yourself: Being a SAHM is not easy, and it’s okay to have bad days. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace.

How do you know if being a SAHM is right for you?

Deciding whether or not to be a SAHM is a big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you:

  1. Can your family afford to live on one income?
  2. Are you willing to give up your career, at least temporarily?
  3. Do you enjoy spending time with young children?
  4. Are you comfortable with spending most of your time at home?
  5. Are you prepared for the potential challenges that come with being a SAHM, such as isolation and lack of adult interaction?

Ultimately, the decision to be a SAHM is a personal one that depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Just remember that there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s about finding what works best for you and your family.

Ashley

Hi there and welcome! I’m Ashley Hoang, the creator of this website and a mama to my little one, Cole! After years of trying, my husband and I are new parents in our 40's. I created thislittleone.com because my little one changed my life in so many amazing ways. I want to document my experience and share the results of all of my research that I've learned on my journey (my day job as an urban planner requires diligent analysis which I hope will help provide a crash course for new moms out there!)

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