tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post8645123794484756810..comments2024-01-03T01:40:26.911-08:00Comments on Life Drawings: 12 July 1957 “The Childless Homemaker: Is it a real Job?”50sgalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-42859985915616489642015-05-30T00:15:02.667-07:002015-05-30T00:15:02.667-07:00I'm very happy to have found this - we are eng...I'm very happy to have found this - we are engaged but still have this lifestyle. I do personal PR for him, he owns a company and VC firm. This gives me a flexible schedule to keep the apartment clean & organized (we live in NYC so this is a feat lol), make meals, do food shopping run errands etc... and keeps me available for business dinners where it;s customary for me to attend. It's what works for us and neither of us want to have children. When I worked outside the house full time wasn't making us as happy as this arrangement. People either think i'm a gold digger (even though we met in college when there was no gold haha) or 50's housewife with no identity. Very frustrating Biancanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-24891155451749677772014-03-06T03:24:54.654-08:002014-03-06T03:24:54.654-08:00I've been struggling with this dilemma myself....I've been struggling with this dilemma myself. My husband is a high-functioning traumatic brain injury survivor, which means he has a professional job as a geologist and everyone who speaks to him or spends limited time with him says he's fine.<br /><br />In reality, he has very subtle long-term effects that manifest mostly at home, primarily with executive dysfunction. <br /><br />He had a very long, five-year recovery and during much of that time I didn't work or freelanced. Neither of us want children and, when I was in-between freelance gigs, I chafed and worried constantly that my family and friends thought I was a lazy moocher. <br /><br />It was even more complicated because I discovered, to my absolute shock (I didn't even want to get married for the longest time!) that taking care of us and our home was a.) a full-time job and b.) immensely fulfilling. <br /><br />Once hubby had a career I got hired full time again. At first I thought, great! Life can get back to normal and I can re-focus on my career again. <br /><br />But wow, did I ever underestimate how much me being home and doing the domestic engineering, as I like to call it, improved our quality of life. <br /><br />With me working, we're both more stressed, have gained back a lot of weight because of our respective commutes -- with me cooking every day, and I mean every day, from scratch, we'd both lost quite a bit of weight-- (and don't talk to me about prepping food ahead of time; most of my precious free time already goes to bills, laundry and cleaning; the thought of even 20 minutes grilling and freezing chicken or chopping or cooking makes me want to cry), are constantly exhausted, etc. <br /><br />I agonized for quite some time about it. We both talked about it and, while he supports me in my career, we both also acknowledged we loved life more with me at home. But I still feel like I "have" to work, although once we're out of some debt, I really won't "have" to, though we won't be rich, which is fine with me. <br /><br />And I finally, and it took months of soul searching, made peace with the fact that there's nothing wrong with my husband and I making choices that make us happy. I know I'm not lazy at home. The TV was never on in the evening and I often ran out of time. Monday was groceries, meal prep day, Tuesdays errands, Wednesdays home projects (repairs, hang curtains, wash the bedding, things like that), Thursdays were laundry and pre-cook weekend meals days and Fridays were my deep cleaning days. Weekends I kind of had "off," but I still cooked, clean, fed the pets, etc. <br /><br />And that's not lazy. It's full time work. It's fulfilling work. And just because it doesn't come with kids or a paycheck doesn't change the fact that it's physical and mental labor. <br /><br />And, no else lives in my husband's and I's home or life. So really, they can talk about us behind our back (in which case I don't have to hear it) or say snide things to my face (in which case their lack of manners makes me lose respect for them and their opinion, quite frankly). <br /><br />It's nobody else's business or problem how you decide to find your own fulfillment and happiness in this world. Christina Eichelkrauthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15620345427941613552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-79913060562540810422013-08-07T21:31:22.005-07:002013-08-07T21:31:22.005-07:00Hey! I have been married to myhusband for almost 6...Hey! I have been married to myhusband for almost 6 years! My husband does not drive and this has been my job for the past 6 years<br /><br />I have worked full time hours in physically hard jobs I.e unloading trucks ect.<br /><br />Only to come home to cook, and clean as if I were a house wife any way!<br /><br />I would wake up at 2am after only getting 3 hrs of sleep to cook my husband a full breakfeast, no not cerole. I cook him Eggs, bacon, potatoes, salad, Then pack his lunch (home made sandwich) then drive him to work. And go home to try and get sleep before I had to go back to work. <br /><br />Then every other weekend I would take care of my three step daughters and here is the funny thing it was way way easyer when I had my step kids over! Helping hands! even when they were 3, 5, and 6!<br /><br />Oh did I mention I am on call 24/7 for any thing my honey needs! At a drop of a hat "honey get me this or that" my time was not my own!!! I belive in submitting to my husband so he gets they pic of the tv shows and control of the radio! After work was about getting in all I couldn't for my family do to work.<br /><br />Now God has blessed me with the ability of posible being a housewife and I have to say if you a momma that thinks your days are full sister walk were I have! Then please don't pridfully judge another again!<br /><br /><br />By the way I really am not complaining I love being a wife to a incredable hard working forgiving loving manJess Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05860636880849329033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-54970169818619985262011-11-09T01:19:20.696-08:002011-11-09T01:19:20.696-08:00I am a wife with no kids. I work a full time job a...I am a wife with no kids. I work a full time job and come home to another full time job. I "make a joke" regularly that I need to go to work so that I can rest...because my job at home is way too hard. But it's true. <br /><br />It is so unfair that society doesn't put a huge value on housework and homemakers anymore. I just don't understand it. Nothing recharges the soul like a home cooked meal or clean sheets or a cozy little house. And it's never done. That is the exhausting thing...<br /><br />Sometimes I think that the price we're paying for feminism is double duty because many of us work and come home to work some more. <br /><br />If you and your husbandd are lucky enough that you can afford to live on one income, I think you should just be happy and enjoy being able to create a wonderful home life for your little family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-31575541917790061892011-07-31T20:57:44.445-07:002011-07-31T20:57:44.445-07:00I am childless homemaker as well. I think the comm...I am childless homemaker as well. I think the comment that sent you down the path of this blog brought up two different issues for you and you kind of lumped them in one. That can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. <br />I had the cicumstances of having to deal with each issue at different times.<br /><br />I spent my first anniversary recovering from a hysterectomy. There have been only two comments in my life that have ever hurt me over this. The first was being called "barren". To me the person who called me this saw my only, or at the very least my primary, reason to be on this earth was to have a child. It seemed they were trying to make feel less important because I wasn't going to be a mother. How very wrong they were, but it still hurt. I think mostly because the reality of being childless was still new.<br /><br />The second comment came from a complete stranger. Mother's Day was approaching and a customer asked if I had any children. When I smiled and said no, she said, "Maybe next year." Again I politely smiled and said "No. My husband and I weren't having any." She had the nerve to proceded to tell me how selfish I was. I quietly let her finish her rant. (A difficult task for me.) With what little control I had left, and no longer smiling I simply told her it wasn't a consious decision I made, it was I couldn't have any. The only concious decision was we decided not to adopt. The woman couldn't stop apologizing. I wasn't hurt or angry because I was childless. I was furiuos that someone would make a snap decision about me on so little information. Even though being blonde, I have dealt with that to some degree my whole life with the dumb blonde jokes.<br /><br />Fast forward a few years. My husband was an army reservist. A year after 9/11 he was activated, but remaining stateside. I quit my job to be with him. His unit was activated for 1 year, but he decided to stay in and "finish what he started". He went where he was needed which for a few years meant moving every 6 months, sometimes even quicker. My family gave me plenty of suppport. They know I can be fearless and explore my new suroundings all on my own and even enjoy it. Plus even though I don't have a child I have dogs that need care. I know having a child and having a dog are two seperate commitments, but I have had special need dogs. (A lot of people have made insensitive comments about that as well.) My husband's family hasn't been as supportive. His mother would constantly ask my husband what I would do all day and ask why I wasn't "working". After being polite for longer than his usual limit, he finally told her in a stern voice that my job was to take care of him, and that was the way he liked it. My husband has retired from the army and we have "settled down" for now while my husband puts in his time at his civilain job. "We" are hoping to retire in about 5 years. <br /><br />Whether you have a child or children or none, people will judge you. Whether you work outside of the home or not people will "say something". Our world is full of different people with different beliefs. Some make comments out of ignorance, some out of misguided beliefs, some out of hate. And in the land of computers where there is no inflection it is sometimes hard to read what is actually being said. As long as you know what you are doing is right for you and your family, no matter the size, that is what matters.gatorbluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04093584930382768387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-72508312889303774172011-07-31T20:10:01.832-07:002011-07-31T20:10:01.832-07:00I'm late to this thread but it has been so int...I'm late to this thread but it has been so interesting!<br /><br />I am 33 years old, I have three children ages 6, 3 and 1. My husband works out of town M-F and I stay home with my children and am now homeschooling my oldest. <br /><br />I've read your blog from the beginning and I've always found it interesting. But your perspective on homemaking and life is so very different than my own because I just don't have the luxury of time that a childless homemaker has. I think perhaps you have more choice in how to structure your days, more time to do elaborate meal planning, sewing, cleaning and so on. Of course I cook, clean, garden, mean plan, lesson plan, homeschool, grocery shop, coupon, host play dates, get my kids to swimming lessons and activities, visit the library, schedule dentist and doctor appointments and so on. <br /><br />It most likely takes me more time to accomplish errands and complete tasks because I am more often distracted or have all three children along. I've often wondered how much time I've spent in life just getting the kids buckled in and out of their car seats and into strollers, grocery carts and whatnot! I also think that cleaning is an entirely different scenario when you've got little kids - I could mop my kitchen floor 3x per day and there would still probably be crumbs and things on it at the end of the day. Laundry and cleaning are just never-ending with little people around. <br /><br />I don't think I work *harder*, I just think my list of necessities is a little longer. It would be easier for a childless homemaker to slide into laziness though that doesn't mean I think you do. It probably takes a lot more will-power and fortitude to stick with it if you have nothing external driving you on some days. I can think of a lot of times which I wouldn't want to cook or clean something or even get dressed and yet I have to because the kids need to eat and go some place. <br /><br />So, I guess my opinion is that I think women with children have a lot of their plate and do have a lot of additional tasks daily that a childless woman does not have. But we all manage our time as we see fit - I've known some lazy neglectful mothers and I'm sure there are other childless homemaking women like you who are really motivated to do their job way and manage their households well and stay very busy and work hard.Jesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09264059472790843992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-56018575765353135102011-07-30T08:16:40.189-07:002011-07-30T08:16:40.189-07:00Sanne,
I know that many of us can identify with y...Sanne,<br /><br />I know that many of us can identify with you. I felt the same way when I worked. After sustaining a back injury in Jan., I had to quit working outside the home, but still can't get all that much done since I can only do standing/walking type things for 15 minutes before I have to sit to relieve the pain.Nancyhttp://sunnyislandbreezes.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-56943624938227079132011-07-28T00:02:32.056-07:002011-07-28T00:02:32.056-07:00I think the hardworking difference is that e.g. I ...I think the hardworking difference is that e.g. I work full-time and I still have to do everything you do when I come home. I am tired and stressed and have absolutely no energy coming home from my job and then I only have a few hours before going to bed do what you have all day to do. Believe me, a lot of planning goes on to be able to do it all. I also have to prioritize what to do, I cannot bake all my bread and cakes (which I love to do), I haven’t had time to sew since I got son (he turns 18 in less than two weeks), the only thing I sew is repairs and curtains. I haven’t much time for training and hobbies, but try to do so since it makes me happy and healthy. I have a clean, tidy and nice home, but I envy all you homemakers SO much, especially when I’m stressed and some of you complain that you are SO busy and have no time. To me you have ALL the time in world. And you know I don’t watch TV, so I cannot just watch less and then have more time. And you also know I’m not rude, so I hope we’re still friends, this was just an opportunity to tell you all that you should count your homemaker blessings, because you are all very lucky. I envy you SO much!SANNEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12973437247117000140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-88866652781948306342011-07-27T05:52:32.206-07:002011-07-27T05:52:32.206-07:00I have really thought about if I should leave this...I have really thought about if I should leave this comment or not, but now I do:<br /><br />I think the hardworking difference is that e.g. I work full-time and I still have to do everything you do when I come home. I am tired and stressed and have absolutely no energy coming home from my job and then I only have a few hours before going to bed do what you have all day to do. Believe me, a lot of planning goes on to be able to do it all. I also have to prioritize what to do, I cannot bake all my bread and cakes (which I love to do), I haven’t had time to sew since I got son (he turns 18 in less than two weeks), the only thing I sew is repairs and curtains. I haven’t much time for training and hobbies, but try to do so since it makes me happy and healthy. I have a clean, tidy and nice home, but I envy all you homemakers SO much, especially when I’m stressed and some of you complain that you are SO busy and have no time. To me you have ALL the time in world. And you know I don’t watch TV, so I cannot just watch less and then have more time. And you also know I’m not rude, so I hope we’re still friends, this was just an opportunity to tell you all that you should count your homemaker blessings, because you are all very lucky. I envy you SO much!SANNEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12973437247117000140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-67390073035866939502011-07-14T20:49:42.631-07:002011-07-14T20:49:42.631-07:00I think we ought not to be concerned with "eq...I think we ought not to be concerned with "equality" so much as doing our own duties to the best of our ability. Even comparing the perceived value of our own work and someone else's suggests an underlying insecurity about our own position. This isn't a competition, among homemakers or vs. Working women. VThe fact is, that even if it does end up being true that a wife raising ten kids is more important to society (which I do not believe, since I don't think the contribution of any one person is quantifiable anyway), what does that mean to you? It's just an ego thing. You still have your own family/husband/home/small pillar of society to uphold, and no one's going to do your bit but you.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02647046851163090769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-81286660489215696422011-07-13T14:59:47.420-07:002011-07-13T14:59:47.420-07:00My friend Mary recommended me to read this post, s...My friend Mary recommended me to read this post, so this is my first time to your blog.<br /><br />I just wanted to say that you are not alone in being a full-time Homemaker who does not have children, for I am in the same situation. Since most of the people I "know" who are Homemakers are also Mothers, and sometimes, I often feel like I am the "only one" who is a childless Homemaker. Mind you, I am NOT choosing to be childless. I married late in life, and God, for some reason, has not chosen to bless me with children. <br /><br />I also did not like the comment that commenter had stated. If someone had said that to me, I would feel hurt too. It's difficult to be a Homemaker in these days, when most of our society seems to be against it, and when you are a childless Homemaker, sometimes, you feel the "sting" even more. <br /><br />At any rate, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I appreciated them very much.Mrs. WFnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-60520458265596361172011-07-13T10:31:11.942-07:002011-07-13T10:31:11.942-07:00I was a childless homemaker for several years. Yes...I was a childless homemaker for several years. Yes, I got raised eyebrows -- you can get away with being a full time homemaker if you have children (and they are still at home), but if not, you must get a job or you are bored and have nothing to do.<br /><br />When I had children, like other commenters here have said, my workload changed. I was doing other things, not as much baking and stuff like that. <br /><br />I have to admit, I went overboard with my housekeeping after I had my babies, because it was an over-reaction to all the people who would smugly say to me, when observing my clean house before I had children, "Well...you wouldn't be able to keep your house this clean if you had kids!" I really hated that -- a put-down of my hard work.<br /><br />So, after I had kids, I ran a tight ship and you know what? My house was just as clean!! So, there! But, yes, things like baking took a back seat until the children were old enough to be entertained while I baked. I also used a lot of paper plates when they were very small.<br /><br />And, yes, I know that people with many children work harder than people like me with only two, but I notice that the older children begin to help with the housework and child care. So...<br /><br />A friend of mine who didn't have children would always be asked to do errands for her friends or her church, "because you don't have kids," like that meant she didn't do anything and had time to run around for everybody. She really resented that. She would have been happy to do the favor, but didn't like when it was attached to "you don't have kids," like she had nothing to do all day.<br /><br />I'm sure that commenter did not mean for her remark to be snide.<br /><br />We do have to be careful of our remarks, don't we, that they don't come across as smug or snide or potentially hurtful.<br /><br />I remember back in the 50's, my parents had several childless friends, and nobody seemed to think that those wives didn't have anything to do, or that they were in a "honeymoon stage." They just seemed to have more time for other types of housewife activities, like baking and caning, that new mothers of very young children might not have time for.<br /><br />Tasks change with growing families; they don't necessarily diminish.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03816096081381689162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-23243461065963859612011-07-13T10:21:52.044-07:002011-07-13T10:21:52.044-07:00I am a childless homemaker too and for the longest...I am a childless homemaker too and for the longest time felt guilty about it. That is until I started reading blogs and realized that I am not the only one! That has been *such* a blessing. I should have been fine with it before since my husband and I were both felt good about our choice, but it's hard to feel like you're one of the only ones.<br /><br />I'm glad the original commenter came back to explain herself because, to be honest, her original comment came off as rude and condescending. I don't think you took it wrong-I think most people would have taken it that way. It may not have been her <i>intention</i> to come off that way, but her comment, in fact, DID come off as rude and condescending.<br /><br />As you say, we have to be *extra careful* how we express ourselves, in the social media of blogging, where you can't read facial expressions or hear tones of voice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-11438986656432218232011-07-13T10:18:12.586-07:002011-07-13T10:18:12.586-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-60616755260342867332011-07-13T09:43:15.831-07:002011-07-13T09:43:15.831-07:00I agree with you Lorie B. If someone feels that th...I agree with you Lorie B. If someone feels that they would not be a good mother, then they should not have kids. I think that sometime people cave to the pressures of society, do what they do not want to do, and the results are a a disaster. It is OK to say that you would not be a fit mother, and choose to remain childless.<br /><br />Jennie J.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-57623921408701755582011-07-13T08:18:56.502-07:002011-07-13T08:18:56.502-07:00I for one think it boils down to the issue of '...I for one think it boils down to the issue of 'freedom'. I don't mean as in equal rights, or anything like that. I mean it more as when I didn't have children or only had one, my life was MUCH less restricted, more spontaneous. I could pick up and go at will. Now, to leave the house with 4 kids is a good half an hour undertaking - finding shoes, packing a diaper bag (one is potty training), dealing with whatever catasrophe always happens (I can't find....[insernt item of choice], or "so-and-so called me this, I wont sit by them in the car", or we just get loaded up and "I have to go potty! Right now!" - which really usually happens about five minutes after we have left, even though I ask REPEATEDLY for them to go). I have to plan at least a week in advance if my hubby and I want to go out alone for something. We can't just have dinner out at will, or go anitque shopping or what have you. It requires thinking out our actions and planning accordingly.<br /> <br />When I was a childless homemaker, I could plan my day around what I wanted to get done during that day. Clean something extra well in the morning, spend the afternoon working on a project or running errands. Now, with 4, I work around them and their needs. One is potty training - so that means taking him to the potty numerous times a day and waiting for him, he also has asthma and requires two nebulizer treatments daily (which take around 45 minutes). I also have to break up 'fights', answer 8 trillion questions of how come, why and what if, keep the boys from torturing the girl too much, stop them from eating the ENTIRE cake I made in one setting....so on and so forth. Yes, I am being a little facetious...but not much.<br /><br />I would love to be able to spend time on sewing, crocheting, cake decorating, and other pursuits...but, I have resigned myself to put off much of those things until the kids are older. Having a 3 year old in the house negates my thoughts of sewing machines and needles around. He is a very ROWDY little boy. To do something that requires time and concentration is just not in the cards right now.<br /><br />So yes, it may feel like you are playing to mothers, but it is more that you have the freedom to do as you wish with your day. And good for you...I chose to have my kids...you chose not to. I have never been able to stand people who judge women by how many kids they have...I would rather see someone who knows they don't really want and chose not to than one who has kids and mistreats them or what have you.<br /><br />Thanks for the time,<br />Lorie B.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-74438439092148993922011-07-13T06:18:23.595-07:002011-07-13T06:18:23.595-07:00I am still reading your blog 50`s gal, summertime...I am still reading your blog 50`s gal, summertime has captured more of my attention with regards to the care of my children. (reason for not replying to your daily posts) and we had to put our beloved Gizmo to rest, so we are mourning the loss of our baby shi zhu pooch of 15 years.<br /><br />Never ever question what you are doing with regards to the noble profession of housewife. Housewifery is a forgotten treasure that requires momentous amounts of skill, economy and intelligence.<br /><br />Whether children are added to the equation or not, you work at tirelessly as the rest of womanhood in your daily tasks.<br /><br />My boys are now 6 and 10, for the most part independent young men who only seem to require me when they are hungry, need clean clothes or to break up fights.<br /><br />I find myself with more pockets of freedom unimaginable in their first few years of childhood.<br /><br />Does that make my present work any less valuable then when my children were in the infantile stage, I hardly think so.<br /><br />The same is with you dear lady, you will always have merit in whatever work you do for your home and husband. You are tending the homefires and creating a refuge for your gentleman from the rest of the world. <br /><br />And your blog is a testament to this, I enjoy reading it and venture to this quiet corner everyday.<br /><br />With my heartfelt thanks,<br />Mom in CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-86494781850132590792011-07-13T05:47:06.612-07:002011-07-13T05:47:06.612-07:00So I have to say being a homemaker with children i...So I have to say being a homemaker with children is hard - that is why schools were invented! I have had 2 weeks 'holiday' from paid employment with my children (five 6-17) on school and uni holidays, and i have had a day at home to get it back into shape, and I need longer. My 17 year saw me cleaning today and got cross when the younger ones didn't appreciate it! (I did make him help a bit).<br />I get negative comments too - 5 kids,"don't you have TV" -"know what contraception is" etc (by the way I wanted 4 and got twins last). I have to work, it is our company and times are tough, but hopefully that will change. <br />My 15 year old daughter is doing 'career day' at present. She said she didn't know what she wanted to do when she grew up. I told I didn't either - but yes I did want to be a mum, so I have achieved my career goals! I spent 6 hours cleaning and organizing two kids bedrooms today (kids are messy)I would not have to do this without children so technically it is more work,and I have to cook for 7 each night. BUT it is my choice (well except for twins), and at least I have better things to do than watch IDOL or survivor etc. Lets all just be glad WE have choices and are able to support each other - ignore the turkeys girls. In the 50s you had to stop work when you married and had kids - we have a choice, I know, but it isn't always easier.<br />At least going to work means I wear nice clothes, heels and red lipstick every day, and to school pick up- of course I look weird as all the other mums are in trackie dacks and thongs. Then I come home and read 50s gal and feel normal - thank you!!xxx000 Sorry if i ranted a bit!Vintage Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00738560674996704721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-20508253497817857612011-07-12T22:26:20.945-07:002011-07-12T22:26:20.945-07:00Donna, I think our society's perception of a &...Donna, I think our society's perception of a "housewife" has changed over the years so Mrs. Ames' light hearted comment was easily misconstrued with a negative spin. As you've posted before, prior to the late 1970's and 1980's the "housewife" cared for the HOME and others who lived in the home. The "SAHM's" focus is caring for the children but since she's home the housework is hers too. (Same goes for most working mothers- go figure.) The terms SAHM and housewife are sometimes used interchangeably but they're really different things. The implication is that a childless housewife has nothing to do because so much focus is placed on child rearing. Those dumb "housewife" reality shows don't help. <br /><br />We "over thinking housewife rookies" can really learn a thing or two from a housewife "all star", Mrs. Ames. I hope you share more of your experiences. <br /><br />Sarah H.Sarah H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-27930783335969467592011-07-12T19:44:35.482-07:002011-07-12T19:44:35.482-07:00I can answer this honestly because I've been a...I can answer this honestly because I've been a homemaker/childless, homemaker/children, student and working. I do think the homemaker/children and working mom is more difficult combo of all of them. However, I don't think it should be viewed as less valuable or useful than any other job. It's a shame that our society doesn't value this more. I blame the baby boomer generation. I think many of them went to work because it was the beginning of the keeping up with the jones, materialism. They saw their mother's working hard during the war. My jaw drops every time I hear my MIL say her mom didn't work a day in her life. My husband's grandmother didn't work outside the home. She constantly talks about how she was spoiled and not understanding what it's like to work for a living. I think this maybe where the lazy mentality came into play. I wish people viewed the home as a private company. It takes great organization, planning and being able to carry out things to be a good homemaker. By the way people tend to view teachers differently based on the group, I get more respect as a college instructor than an elementary teacher. People used to ask me why I was tired, all I did was play all day! If they only knew...Carey's Farmhouse Kitchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09523235322790336604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-72382424090424786702011-07-12T17:12:56.465-07:002011-07-12T17:12:56.465-07:00Oh, no, she wasn't rude. She even explained he...Oh, no, she wasn't rude. She even explained herself, please don't think I was trying to have a bad gossip behind my hankie at the water cooler gals. I was just saying the way I interpreted it made me think about how I was thinking about my own role. And because of it, I have sorted my own feelings out about it even more. <br />My goodness what a wretch I am, I didn't mean to make it seem I was thinking she was having a go at me, I am sorry for that. But, I really appreciate the comments and am happy many others view the childless homemaker as a legitimate choice as well. Thank you all.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-82889826566312680392011-07-12T16:50:49.316-07:002011-07-12T16:50:49.316-07:00I found that comment rather snarky. Don't bro...I found that comment rather snarky. Don't brood about it, because you know your husband appreciates you, as do most of us out here. Unfortunately, there will always be rude people in this world.Nancyhttp://sunnyislandbreezes.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-76961631941036622952011-07-12T13:47:58.105-07:002011-07-12T13:47:58.105-07:00anon-quite true. My husband fully appreciates and ...anon-quite true. My husband fully appreciates and understands what I do as work. He is happy to focus on his own job and know that my job makes his home life more enjoyable. We were together in the grocery store the other day because we were out on an odd errand and found we needed to stop. We laughed as we tried to remember that last time he had to set foot in such an establishment. He was happy to be free of it, while to me it is simply part of my job. Funny, that.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-46361173514728235292011-07-12T13:45:56.550-07:002011-07-12T13:45:56.550-07:00I meant a childless homemaker, not homeless. That ...I meant a childless homemaker, not homeless. That would be an entirely different sort of post, I believe.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960946442922071473.post-70025042599280059912011-07-12T13:44:39.342-07:002011-07-12T13:44:39.342-07:00Oh, Mrs. Hugh Ames, I did not mean that you meant ...Oh, Mrs. Hugh Ames, I did not mean that you meant it negative. In fact, I hope in the beginning that I put it that you were simply putting out there as a fun thought, while it was I who over analyzed it. I did not mean for anyone to think poorly of you. But, as I like to do, I like to share with all of you, from time to time, how my mental path wanders. And when it does, what it is that I am actually thinking more so than any original intent. In fact, I am sure many misunderstandings are simply those of the receivers own ideas rather than what was originally said. So, please know I was not picking on you and actually left your name off, but as you said, you meant no harm. <br />I hope any who thought you were being snide can see the fault was all my own for being far too sensitive for my own good. But, at the same time, my own misunderstanding lead me to evaluate my own place in the world, dissect it, wonder, question, and then after all reiterate to myself how happy I am with my choice. And that I can say with a resounding YES, to a homeless homemaker is as much a home professional as is a homemaker with children. So, if anything, thank you for your comment it, even though I took it the wrong way.50sgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09250940806307766624noreply@blogger.com