No.....I was never 'just a housewife'. In fact never much of a housewife.....BUT was a full-time Mother.
Probably the most fulfulling job I have ever done. Took us four years to get us our first baby, then the the second arrived eleven months later. Before the eldest was six years old there had been three more (4 and 5 arriving together).
Also fostered, so always had a baby around for several years. Couple of those stayed with our family.
We were hard up, but I loved that time, weekdays entirely over to needs of the children, mornings doing washing, tidying up, cooking, afternoons meeting other Mums and children for social get-togethers. Weekends, no housework except the washing and lots of family things to do.
As the children went to school, (although I had at least one, usually two pre-schoolers for many years), I was available if any of them were unwell, or had dental, optician, etc. etc. appointments. Rarely a week went past without something like that, no way could I have done any sort of job outside of the home. Wonderful time in later afternoons after school was out. I
Great times. None of my daughters were stay-at-home Mums, and I do understand the reasons why.....but do feel rather sorry for them for having missed out on that.
I did take on a volunteer role as an administrator for a sports body all work done from home (often late at night). Gave me an interest, kept my brain active, and also went on my CV and was instrumental in getting me a paid job very many years later.
