I can totally understand the sentiment Fiona. Dh and I always planned for me to be a SAHM, we are in a position where I can do it BUT my youngest is going to be five this year and off to school next year so WTF do I do with my time then? When he wasn't even 2 I decided that I wanted to study to give myself an interest outside of parenting because the kids were getting older and *needing* me less ITMS. Being a SAHM is a very fullfilling and rewarding thing to do - while they are little, but as they get older it gets immensely easier and your time becomes your own again. I needed more than just being a mum and that's why study appealed. Plus I also thought that there is no way known I could have all the kids at school and just sit at home all day. I'm not one to do all these 'lady' things in the town where I live like play basketball on a wednesday morning, or do endless coffees or lunches down the street with friends, and I'm not a gardener, so once I'd have the housework done my life would be boring as bat**** quite frankly. Yeah I'm involved in various committees, but I needed something more than that. So the plan is for me to get my degree and become a teacher, get either full or part time work that works in around when the kids need me - not much point being a SAHM when I don't have any kids at home during the day anymore IMO. I think it will make for a better life for everyone in our family. I see it as being a natural progression of sorts.