FamiSafe-Parental Control App
Your Experienced Digital Parenting Assistant
  • Set screen time & block apps & generate phone activity reports.
  • Filter inappropriate websites & check browsing history.
  • Track Your Kids' live location & location history.

SAHM Meaning, Stereotypes, Challenges, Misconceptions, and More

Moly Swift
Moly Swift Originally published Jun 30, 23, updated Sep 11, 24

a mom and a child

Sometimes, the most rewarding yet challenging title you can have is a parent. You must constantly care for a tiny human being and direct them to the right path. This life journey may have many ups and downs, but it is also one of the most pleasurable experiences a person can have.

The superheroes of our time, or the parents, dedicate their lives to caring for their children, even if it means being home all day. SAHM wives are some of those heroes who would gladly take the role of the primary caregiver to be with their children 24/7.

In this article
  1. SAHM Meaning Explained
  2. The Number of SAHMs Is Growing
  3. Challenges of Being a SAHM
    1. Overwhelming Experiences
    2. Social Distancing
    3. Financial Dependence
    4. Career
  4. What Advantages Do SAHMs Have?
    1. Involvement With Your Children
    2. Reducing the Cost of Childcare
    3. Watching the Milestones
  5. Stereotypes and Misconceptions About SAHMs
    1. “Stay-at-home moms just don’t want to work.”
    2. “It’s easy for you: your husband makes all the money.”
    3. “You probably have no friends.”
  6. Common Jobs for SAHMs
    1. Entrepreneurship
    2. Freelancing
    3. Content creation
  7. How to Know if You Would Like to Be a SAHM
    1. Consider Your Goals
    2. Approach Your Finances
    3. Find Support
  8. Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms
    1. Create a Routine
    2. Have Some “Me Time”
    3. Use Technology
    4. Create Objectives

SAHM Meaning Explained

Stay-at-home moms, or SAHMs, want to be with their children 24/7 and educate and nourish them. For instance, if her spouse has a high-paying job that can provide for the whole family, the mother can decide to dedicate her time to raising her youngsters and controlling their behavior.

Women may also need to be as close to their children as possible, primarily due to medical issues. Thus, mothers who decide to take this step are genuinely the heroes of our world who raise the best humans.

The Number of SAHMs Is Growing

number of sahms in the us

Many women nowadays decide that the best thing they can do for themselves and their children is take the lead and stay at home to raise their humans. In the past several years, the number of stay-at-home moms in the US has increased by over 15%, resulting in 25% of SAHMs.

One of the most common reasons was the pandemic. During lockdown, people had more time to spend with their children and learn about the importance of proper parenting.

However, there may be other reasons many women have decided to take up this role, such as better financial stability, stress relief, and the fact that this title can be temporary.

Challenges of Being a SAHM

Taking up the SAHM title may not be as exciting as it seems. After all, you are a human who needs personal space. Here are some of the most significant setbacks stay-at-home moms may face.

1. Overwhelming Experiences

Raising a child comes with numerous overwhelming situations, after which you will need time to rest. Your children may unintentionally engage in dangerous activities, which can be overwhelming for every parent. Most SAHMs have faced such overwhelming challenges, and adjusting to stressful environments may take some time.

2. Social Distancing

a sahm with friends

Once you become a stay-at-home mom, you will probably forget about social events or won’t have the time to attend parties, dinners, etc. Many moms have isolated themselves due to this role and may have difficulty leaving their children.

Thus, it is more likely that you will distance yourself from your friends and family if you take the SAHM role.

3. Financial Dependence

You may fear becoming a financial burden or may want to get a job to gain financial independence at some point in your SAHM journey. That is one of the most common challenges stay-at-home moms have.

However, remember why you started your experience and remind yourself that you have bigger goals than finances.

4. Career

Some women have big dreams and want to make the most of their professional journeys. If you have just quit your job to spend time with your children, you may feel anxious about your career and think you cannot grow due to your new title.

However, that is not the case, and many SAHMs can balance their work and childcare responsibilities.

What Advantages Do SAHMs Have?

Although becoming a stay-at-home mom may be challenging, numerous other factors will benefit you and your children. Here are some of them.

1. Involvement With Your Children

If you want to teach your children family values and beliefs, you must spend a lot of time talking to them. What better way to explain them than through practical examples and everyday routines?

You can have the time to build your child’s identity and personality, ensuring the best future for your youngster. Moreover, you will create a stronger bond if you are there for your child 24/7.

2. Reducing the Cost of Childcare

If you decide to be a working mom, and your partner or other caregivers do the same, you may need a helping hand to raise your children while you are away.

The price tag on childcare services can be hefty, so if you want to reduce your expenditures, you can take the SAHM title. You will see the impact this role has on your finances.

3. Watching the Milestones

children’s milestones

Children grow up quickly. They seem to take their first steps within a blink of an eye and say their first words before you even drink your morning coffee.

Watching your child develop and reach milestones is one of the most rewarding experiences, but sadly, some parents may miss these due to busy lifestyles. If your child is still young, you can consider becoming a SAHM and watch your little one grow.

Stereotypes and Misconceptions About SAHMs

Stay-at-home moms often face negative comments. There are also numerous misconceptions about this role in society.

Here are several common examples to prepare you for possible scenarios. Remember that you should focus on your goals and not listen to whatever others have to say.

1. “Stay-at-home moms just don’t want to work.”

Many people think SAHMs are lazy and don’t want to spend their time working. However, that isn’t the case. Many stay-at-home moms have full-time jobs and can also provide for their families.

However, this misconception comes from the fact that people aren’t used to someone taking the primary role while building their career.

2. “It’s easy for you: your husband makes all the money.”

One of the most common misconceptions is that you have a rich husband and your life is easy. You get to enjoy spending time with your little ones and spend your husband’s money.

However, many moms gain financial stability and independence while being with their children 24/7. If you decide to take the step and start your SAHM journey, don’t be surprised if you come across these comments.

3. “You probably have no friends.”

Since you are with your children at home non-stop, you probably have no time to hang out with your friends and family, and you will isolate yourself from the world if you take the SAHM role. This misconception is yet another one about our superheroes.

However, you don’t have to spend all of your time inside with your youngsters; you will undoubtedly find some free time to charge up your social batteries. Although your nights out may not be as frequent, it doesn’t mean you will completely isolate yourself from the world.

Common Jobs for SAHMs

Stay-at-home moms typically opt for remote jobs that won’t disrupt their schedule or induce stress. They can set their work hours and still succeed. Here’s a list of some of the most common yet fantastic jobs for SAHMs.

1. Entrepreneurship

a working sahm

Why work for someone when you can be your boss? If you have always wanted to open your shop, becoming a SAHM is the perfect time to take this business step. You can open an ecommerce store and automate processes for the most efficiency.

This career might not be time-consuming, and you can spend as much time with your children as you want.

2. Freelancing

Freelancing is also one of the most popular job choices within the SAHM community. You can offer online services and set flexible deadlines to maximize your efficiency while raising your children.

With freelancing gigs, you will be present with your children and can always watch them without fearing missing out on your work.

3. Content creation

Moms have many creative tips and tricks that help them raise and entertain their children. Once you become a mom, you become one of the most creative people in the world. So, why not cash in on your skills?

You can make YouTube videos, create blog posts, or post reels to your social media platforms. Over the past few years, more and more moms have opted for this option.

How to Know if You Would Like to Be a SAHM

Deciding to start your stay-at-home-mom journey will come with much planning and uncertainty. You are probably here to read about other moms’ experiences and determine if this role suits you. If so, we are here to help. Here are several guidelines to decide whether or not you should stay with your children at home.

1. Consider Your Goals

Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, you should consider your goals and create plans accordingly. If you have always imagined yourself as a professional with an extraordinary career, it may be a sign that you shouldn’t opt for the SAHM journey.

However, if your dream is to become an excellent parent and teach your children everything, the answer is simple. You can see whether the role fits you by looking into your future.

2. Approach Your Finances

calculating finances before your sahm journey

Since you will be at home, you might want to approach your financial plans before jumping into the SAHM experience. Finances are essential for providing your child with food, clothes, and cosmetics.

Thus, you should see whether you can financially handle the situation. Consider remote jobs to boost your finances and make your dreams come true.

3. Find Support

Becoming a stay-at-home mom can be challenging and overwhelming. In such scenarios, it is essential to have a support network that will remind you of your goals and help you if necessary.

Thus, you can ask your partner, family, and friends about your SAHM idea and see whether they agree with your proposition. You should always have someone to count on during difficult times.

Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms

If you have decided to start your journey, here are some tips and tricks to make the experience effortless.

1. Create a Routine

When you create a routine, you will always have something to rely on and avoid unpredictable scenarios. This method will help teach children discipline skills while making your SAHM journey easier. Establish a routine that suits you and your child for the healthiest environment.

2. Have Some “Me Time”

taking me time

We understand that you love your child unconditionally. However, don’t neglect yourself. Take some time during the day and dedicate it to self-care and self-growth. You won’t forget your worth and will represent a confident role model to your youngsters.

3. Use Technology

Technology can be beneficial for controlling your children’s behavior and eliminating bad habits. For instance, you can use parental control apps like Wondershare FamiSafe to see what your youngsters are doing online and limit their screen time. That will prevent your children from viewing age-inappropriate content.

4. Create Objectives

Set realistic and reachable goals when embarking on this challenging yet rewarding journey. Instead of forcing your children into something because you want them to meet expectations, take it slow and create a routine that fits their development.

Conclusion

Once you become a parent, your life turns around. Suddenly, every problem seems small yet significant, and you don’t have time for anything.

However, your child is your priority, and your only goal is to raise them well. If you want to spend as much time as possible with them, you can become a stay-at-home mom and enjoy all the benefits.

Moly Swift
Moly Swift Sep 11, 24
Share article: