So What Do You Do All Day?
If you're a stay-at-home parent, how do you answer to the people who frequently\u2013 and annoyingly\u2013 ask, "So, what do you do all day?"\nA listener in our Facebook group posted?\n"During Covid, I quit my job and I\u2019ve been home. I drive my kids to school, work out, and manage the house and family. I\u2019m very happy and fulfilled, especially knowing that my eldest will be leaving for college soon, I\u2019m soaking up this time. My problem is trying to explain this to others. I have a good college degree and worked in a decent field before I quit. I guess I feel pressure to work and use my skills. One well-intentioned retired woman at my gym was actually trying to figure out how I can not drive my kids to school so that I could go back to work. I\u2019ve even considered lying and saying I work part time at home to get people off my case."\nA pre-pandemic Gallup analysis 60,000 women in the U.S.\xa0revealed that more than a quarter of SAHMs report feeling depressed. The researchers suggested that \u201csocietal recognition of the difficult job stay-at-home mothers have raising children would perhaps help support them emotionally.\u201d Don't stay up waiting for that to happen. America\u2019s mothers have continued to say that society is not supporting them.\xa0\nDo we just decide not to let these misperceptions of stay-at-home parenthood bother us? Do we fight back, bring lists, demand the respect that our hard work deserves? Will that get us anywhere?\nLinks:\n\nOur episode with Laura Vanderkam on time management for moms\n\nLaura's piece: "The working stay-at-home mom"\n\n\nMotherly\u2019s 2022 State of Motherhood Survey Report\n\nConsider This on NPR:\xa0The Great Resignation: Why People Are Leaving Their Jobs In Growing Numbers\n\n\nGallup: Stay-at-Home Moms Report More Depression, Sadness, Anger\n\n\nEmily Glover for Motherly: It\u2019s harder than ever before for families to get by on a single income\n\n\n\nSign up for the What Fresh Hell newsletter! Once a month you\u2019ll get our favorite recent episodes, plus links to other things to read and watch and listen to, and upcoming special events:\xa0http://eepurl.com/h8ze3z\n\ufeff\nSpecial thanks to our sponsors for this month:\nFor trusted protection, choose Pampers, the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand. Download the Pampers Club App today to start earning rewards with every diaper & wipes purchase.\nThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/FRESH today to get 10% off your first month.\xa0\nCare.com is where you can find the help you need to make it all work for your family. Sign up at Care.com/book now and see why over 3 million families use this amazing platform.\nEveryPlate plans meals and delivers pre-portioned ingredients right to your door.\xa0Get started for just $1.49 per meal by going to everyplate.com/podcast and entering code wfh149.\nHello Fresh is America\u2019s #1 Meal Kit. Go to HelloFresh.com/wfhpod60 and use code wfhpod60 for 60% off plus free shipping!\nIndeed\xa0is the only job site where you're guaranteed to find quality applicants that meet your must-have requirements. Visit\xa0indeed.com/LAUGHING to start hiring now. Terms and conditions apply.\nLuvBug is the world\u2019s first socio-emotional gaming platform. Go to LuvBuglearning.com and sign up for a 7-day free trial, or simply download from the app store and subscribe.\nYou can try Peloton Tread\xa0risk-free with a 30-day home trial. New members only. Not available in remote locations. See additional terms at\xa0onepeloton.com/home-trial.\nRakuten\xa0is an online shopping platform that gives you cash back when you shop at thousands of stores.\xa0Start shopping at\xa0rakuten.com\xa0or get the Rakuten app to start saving today.\nRitual\u2019s Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Visit ritual.com/laughing to get 10% off during your first 3 months.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices