SAHMs and making a big deal out of housework.

marrymemylove

I realise I have been guilty too. I've been a SAHM and even with part time childcare I still manage to always be running from 1 task to another just to keep the house running. Washing, cleaning, cooking, planning meals etc.

Then I remind myself this is the stuff I used to do in an hour or so a week when I was working (when DS was a baby) and in maybe a Saturday afternoon before DS (when we'd go out on weeknights if we weren't working late).

It just expands to fit the time you have available for it. If you treat being a SAHM as your job, then you'll find you have a million things to do that if you were a WOHM you just wouldn't do. And it would be fine.

My point is - there is no law to say that SAHMs ceiling mouldings have to shine while WOHMs don't. They all don't have to shine.

Take a load off. Housework is only minimally necessary. 

emilykristene2006

I took a load off a long time ago. My house is not filthy and company can show up anytime they want, but my back is not broke:)

marrymemylove

Yeah its just when I hear people say "oh dear I can't get my ironing and washing done today"... I am like wtf? Who cares? You can do it tomorrow. Or the next day. As for ironing, hey buy stuff that doesn't need ironing. I solved that problem in 1987.

august0605bride

I have a cleaning service because I agree with you in theory, but I am too much of a neat freak about it in practice

You're totally right, though, the work expands to fill whatever time you give it.?

HisBetterHalf

I think another part of the issue is that when you and DH both WOTH and do not have kids, there is no one in your house all day to mess it up, use dishes, etc.  However when you are a SAHM, you usually spend some of your time at home with your kids during the day.  This is my issue.  For this reason it seems like there is always more work to do.  The floors get dirtier because we're on them, there are more dishes in the sink because we use them when we're here, there is more laundry (b/c of an additional little person), more trash, toys to clean up, I could go on.

If DD and I left the house at 7am and did not return until after 5pm then these things would not have to get done.

Andrewsgal

OMG hell has frozen over. I can not believe I am about to say it. But I agree 100% with you! My house is never truly spotless and I am okay with that. My job is to take care of DD. and provide her with a safe environment. I do that. Anything else is a bonus.

KrisBriMcBunny

HisBetterHalf:

I think another part of the issue is that when you and DH both WOTH and do not have kids, there is no one in your house all day to mess it up, use dishes, etc.  However when you are a SAHM, you usually spend some of your time at home with your kids during the day.  This is my issue.  For this reason it seems like there is always more work to do.  The floors get dirtier because we're on them, there are more dishes in the sink because we use them when we're here, there is more laundry (b/c of an additional little person), more trash, toys to clean up, I could go on.

If DD and I left the house at 7am and did not return until after 5pm then these things would not have to get done.

ditto.

to respond to your answer in my post.  I havent done anything in the past 2 days except sit in the easy chair with Michelle in my lap.  Dishes are piling up and so is the laundry.  Not trying to get the house perfect...just trying to get some clean dishes and some clean clothes lol

Aliliv

HisBetterHalf:

I think another part of the issue is that when you and DH both WOTH and do not have kids, there is no one in your house all day to mess it up, use dishes, etc.  However when you are a SAHM, you usually spend some of your time at home with your kids during the day.  This is my issue.  For this reason it seems like there is always more work to do.  The floors get dirtier because we're on them, there are more dishes in the sink because we use them when we're here, there is more laundry (b/c of an additional little person), more trash, toys to clean up, I could go on.

If DD and I left the house at 7am and did not return until after 5pm then these things would not have to get done.

DITTO!  Not that I really worry about the housework - but, yeah, we're home most of the time (when I'm not subbing) and it definitely gets dirty.  And, when DH is also on days off, look out!  The house becomes incredibly messy!   The more you use it, the more it's messy. 

Chrisy-Wyobride

I agree that it doesn't have to be perfect...mine never is because we are in our home at all times using it.  I think their is a huge difference in my kid being in my home for basically just breakfast, bath, dinner  & snuggle time like they would be if I WOH & my kids being here all day, everyday.  I SAH & my kids paint on a big easle in the kitchen, cut out stuff & color, play play-doh, eat snacks, eat all meals, play w/lots of toys, go in & out of the backyard tracking crap inside the house, go to the bathroom several times a day, etc...and I have 2 older kids, not one baby or a young toddler.  It creates a lot of spill, messes that would not be here if they weren't...my housework is much more involved than it would be if I was working & they spent 10hours a day in daycare, no doubt about that.