I keep on wanting to post in this thread, but don't get a chance to. I know if I was at work I would be able to easily

I swing between wanting to be a SAHM and a working mum. I see the benefits of both, but at the moment I am leaning towards SAHM. Whilst it does mean less money, it means a lot of flexibility. It is nice to know only one of us is tied down to work hours, if we need a long weekend, only DH has to organise the day off as I am always available. No stressing about missed work and who takes the day off for sickness and school holidays. We are looking at being semi self sufficient, well that takes time, some one has to tend gardens, preserve fruit etc. I think it is better done with time on one's side, rather than rushed on the weekends when we are trying to do so much else or just rest.

I grew up letting myself in the house from the age of 7. It really was not much fun, it was pretty lonely. I rarely got encouragement or help to do homework, which was one of my problems with school, trouble finishing assignments and studing for tests. I envied the kids who came home to a drink and biscuits. I came home to nothing. My mother would come home tired and yelling as I had not done the washing up (silly thing was she never once asked me to wash up ). I do not want to do that to my girls. I know I get stressed easily, I would hate to see me after a full week of work and kids.

Agree with Trillian on the country/city thing. I have just moved from Melb to a major regional area with a large farming community. There does not seem to be the pressure/expection of returing to work. It seems many mums do some part-time work, full time seems rare, even amongst those which kids who are almost adults. No-one is shocked by me not working at the moment.