working moms vs stay at home moms

[nessa2010]

So me n my husband had decided I'd stay home after our baby girl came but today he mention maybe I should go back to work I would like y'all view on weather u work or plan to work or stay home n how n why y'all decided it

[GeekMom1213]

I went back to work when my son was 6 weeks old, working overnights while my partner worked days. We didn't have to pay for daycare and I was there during the day to play and snuggle, breastfeed and bond. Six months after he was born I went back to full-time school where I stayed (working nights during summers and vacations) until he was a bit over 2 1/2 and I graduated with my RN. Breastfed for two full years, he never went to more than two days a week of half-day daycare due to careful planning, my husband's flexible work schedule, and my very devoted and reliable brother. He started in full-day preschool three days a week the week of his third birthday and I started working overnights again, now as a nurse. He hasn't been "raised by strangers" but I haven't stopped advancing my education or my career to let everything revolve solely around my boy. I love him more than anything and want to be sure that no matter what happens I will always be able to provide for us, and I have personal goals yet to reach that stretch well outside my own home. He is happy, independent, well-adjusted and so smart. I marvel at all the things he's learned from daycare and school that I never would have known to teach (games, songs, art projects, all kinds of stuff) and I'm so glad that we seem to have found the perfect balance for us.

[BeautifulJazzy]

Im gonna work, you can always find a shift that works for you, its nothing like being independent and being able to provide for your child from the money you make!

[LeeshaMiranda]

We've moved states and have no family closer than a six hour driver. I'm still trying to decide on and finish a degree, so paying for daycare is about as much as I would earn at any job within a decent driving distance. I do love being able to teach my (now 14 months) daughter myself and haven't missed any of her big developmental moments. It does have its con's though... It's so hard to get the house clean sometimes with a clingy teething child who won't take a nap, and on those days I'm just ready for a break when daddy gets home. It's mostly not like that, I've just been dealing with the past 3 months of morning sickness and am just now starting to feel better.
It is hard to depend on him for everything financial, but we'd have less money if I was spending on gas to get to work & daycare is not cheap! I really just depends on your relationship and your situation.  We're okay only going out to eat and going places like an orchard once a month. We like to cook our own food and spend less money on it, so living a more "simple" lifestyle isn't hard at all.

[luxah]

Since we moved I have been a stay at home wife, I had a job at walmart for a month (I was temp anyways, but quit before hand to help my sis-in-law move). But we decided that I would stay home because I worked longer than he did when we got out of highschool. Though if he wants me to go work or I need to, I will. But as for now he makes enough for us to live comfortably. Even with baby coming I know we will do fine. Not to mention if I were to get a job that wouldn't really help cus of cost of daycare. But thats been our deal since he entered the military.

[beccannjean]

I stay at home with our 3 biys. The oldest 2 are in school, 1st grade and pre school half days. My husband had the better job when we had my oldest and we both felt it was important for a parent to raise our child and be there in they early years. When I became pregnant with our second, it became clear that either I had to get a job (that would really only pay for child care while I was at work) or he had to get a better paying job and me stay home permanently. We had to move to make this work. We have made sacrifice so that I can stay home. It is that important to us that one of us be here to raise our children. That being said, not everyone can do what we did. The point is, each family has its own things to consider when making these decisions. Do not make them lightly and explore all of your options. It took me a long time to adjust to being at home as I was used to supporting myself, and depending on someone else was a challengen. I didn't feel that I was contributing enough. Now I see how important my job is at home, not only for my kids but for the success my husband has with his career. It is a balancing act that is not always easy or enjoyable, but I would not trade it for the best paying job in the world. Not every parent is made to stay at home either, and there is nothing wrong with that.You will find your balance.

[bholcomb]

I'm a stay at home mommy and I love it. I have been for 4yrs. My husband is the one who mentioned it and I loved the idea. I love being home because I know he is cared for right and I got to see his first everything. It all denpends if your family can live offof one income luckily my hhusband is a truck driver and makes good money.

[4_3MommytoBe]

I'd love to stay home with my baby for at least the first 6 months, however I highly doubt that'll happen. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable depending on my bf for full financial support. So I only plan to be off work for my maternity leave for 6 wks  

[mfayb]

I am now a stay at home mom. When I had our first daughter my husband was working on his petroleum engineering degree and i was the one with the career. So I used a private nanny in my home when I was at work. Now that he is in his field I am able to stay at home with our daughter and this baby when it comes. I have to say that I absolutely love teaching my daughter and watching her marvel at the world. However there are many times where I feel that I am not living an entire life. I think partly because I was so successful I felt a great pride.  Now all my joys come through her which I don't think is a good think. I know not every one feels that but I do. I am still trying to find what makes me.... me without work. Sorry so long but I wanted you to get an honest opinion.

[oct3014]

I wanted to stay at home until I finished my second degree but I decided I'm going back at the beginning of the year. I worked full time and earned a degree before so I can do it again and with a baby, just gotta be a team effort and good planing.

[sew2009]

That's a tough one because it's so personal to each family. I work but am blessed that I work for my family business and am able to set my own hours and bring my kids with me. I love my job. It's also great because it's flexible and part time. My dad actual built my office next to the conference  room...which isn't used a ton. My kids have their own tv and toys in there. And I can watch them as I work! :-)
The little I bring in each month is enough to pay the electric and utility bill each month which eases my husbands check to go to other bills and savings. :-) personally, I don't want my kids in daycare...not that it's a bad thing....just costly. I worked in daycare for a few years and saw both sides. I love having them with me...although a break every now and then is nice. If you are leary of daycare or can't afford it, check into home business like origami owl, jamberry, pampered chef, Mary kay, or younique....

[nessa2010]

I would love to stay home w my daughter n see her find her hands n stuff like that for the first time I dnt want to miss anything I'm a ftm 2

[aicnov14]

im the bread winner, so if anything he'll be leaving his job to be a stay at home daddy.

[BreaBear]

I'm a ftm and I'm planning on staying home with my son for at least the first 4-5 months