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I would just say "nope" and drop it at that. I also sometimes feel a little judged for staying at home (my youngest starts full day K next year) but you know I think that's on me, not on the person asking. They're simply making conversation, I'm the one who reads into it.
If you run across someone who is deliberately being nasty then I would answer briefly and make it clear that the conversation is over.
I'm a sahm of 3 - two teens and one pre-teen. It seems that everywhere- the grocery store, the dentist, the hair salon, I am asked "Are you off work today?"
What's the point in staying home if they are of school age though?
I only know one family. Dad makes a super living, so there is no compelling need for more income. So having a SAHM / housewife (that word has become dirty, not sure why) has significant advantages. She can transport them to their extra-curriculars. Home work is never rushed. The home maintenance can be done during the week, leaving the weekends largely free for recreation. But for her, the most important thing is an active presence of a parent for the kids. They may be in and out, but she is there. And that presence is felt.
What's the point in staying home if they are of school age though?
It's a personal/family choice just like any other. I know a couple of people whose kids are all in school and they are still SAHM's. They enjoy having time to get the housework done, run errands and be there for their kids before and after school and to take them to activities. They can get so much done during the day that evenings and weekends can be all about family time. Most of them say they are busier now that the kids are all in school then they were when they had kids home to take care of and a couple of them think their kids need them at home more now then when they were little do to all of the commitments.
To me, if the family situation allows for one parent to be home and that parent is happy with being home, more power to them.
People are just trying to make conversation. Your children are only young once. Keep reminding yourself of that.
I have been SAHM since pregnancy. I home-schooled my son until this last fall. In 9th grade he decided to attend "real" school. When people asked me what I do, I could respond, I teach my child. But, now that's he's in school, I can't say that. I'm thinking of doing volunteer work and have recently rented a plot in our community garden to grow some of our own fruits and vegetables.
My time as a SAHM mom is almost up and I am eager to see what the next chapter of life has in store for me. I am so glad I was able to stay home with him.
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