... one postive thing about being a SAHM though (which helps me when I'm feeling undervalued) is that my DD really appreciates me being able to attend all her sports days and carnivals. Hardly any parents at her school attend because they have to work and the kids that have their parents there are thought to be sooooo lucky When DH and I go along we have all the kids thronging around us seeking our attention in lieu of their own parents. What really annoys me is that workplaces don't value this aspect of their employee's lives. They still don't seem to get that an employee with a healthy work/life/family balance is going to be more productive than a parent who is miserable and resentful because they can't attend any of their children's school events. Hopefully this will change as demographics (ageing population etc) makes it more difficult for companies to find good employees.