SAH

NICKOLASandASHLEY

I am kinda loving being a SAHM, but my dad thinks that I should work. I've never been the person who thought I would like this, but I've been doing it for 10 months now and the idea of working makes me really sad. My dad is being really pushy about how I am too smart not to make something of myself. My husband is fine with me being SAH. 

 Does anybody else have family that doesn't support their decision to SAH? How do you deal with them?? 

JessesGirl&MackenziesMom

NICKOLASandASHLEY:

I am kinda loving being a SAHM, but my dad thinks that I should work. I've never been the person who thought I would like this, but I've been doing it for 10 months now and the idea of working makes me really sad. My dad is being really pushy about how I am too smart not to make something of myself. My husband is fine with me being SAH. 

 Does anybody else have family that doesn't support their decision to SAH? How do you deal with them?? 

It is very insulting and disrespectful that your father does not consider staying home with your children to be "making something of yourself". He probably has good intentions and wants the best for you and just prioritizes differently than you and your DH. To each his own, but he had his turn when he raised you, now you get to raise your children with your values.

My DH and I are working towards me being able to SAH (hopefully in one year). My dad thinks that I would be wasting my graduate level degree. I have taken some classes in career counseling, and it's very common for the older generation to see education/training as wasted if a linear career path is not followed. For example, some people may think that my counseling degree is wasted if I am not working as a counselor. Others feel that education is valuable in itself even if it is not immediately invested into a career. I may use active listening with my children or be able to share relaxation techniques with my sister or just enjoy reading Psychology Today.

To answer your question, I deal with my family by very nicely saying that my parents did a good job raising me and I'm doing a good job with my LO and it's okay for those experiences to look different.

littlemermaid

As long as you and your husband are happy with the decision that is all that matters.  Your father is probably just being protective of his little girl.  He's probably playing all of the horrible "what ifs" in his head.  Next time he brings it up just tell him that you are happy he is so concerned but you and husband have decided that you will be staying home for the time being.

almostjennifer

I would be getting some serious guilt and grief from my family if I WAS working. 

Go back and reread your post, "my dad is being pushy...my husband is fine with me being SAH."  It isn't your dad's house, money, kids or decision. 

However, you might want to have a sit-down with him and find out why he is being so opinionated.  Is he worried about your marriage?  Worried about your retirement or what would happen to you financially if your DH flew the coop?  Address any concerns and then politely tell him to keep his thoughts to himself.

mabma80

So basically your dad is saying that you'll go stupid if you continue to stay home.  At least that's the message I'm getting.  If it's working for you guys, then tell your dad to politely respect your decision and stop with the comments.  Done.  Seriously, it will drive you crazy and just make you more sad. You don't need that.

 I have a degree also and have been staying home with our boys since 2008.  Both our parents are so happy that we can do it.  Not to mention thrilled that we are able to send them to Catholic school.  

Good luck!