Comments on: How to Decide Whether to Be a Stay at Home Mom or Working Mom

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:56:22 +0000

I’m not sure it is fair to say that those of us that have to use day care are “letting someone else raise our children.” I use day care and am absolutely positive that I – not the day care provider – am raising my 12 month old daughter. I understand why some people feel this way, but it isn’t a fair or accurate assumption. In fact, I sometimes think about staying home and have actually decided that my daughter might not be better off. I never would have thought this possible, but she loves being able to be around all the kids and loving teachers. Just wanted to note this for anyone reading this article. When I have my second, I still may stay home….it’s a tough decision for sure.

By: Nita

Nita — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:51:36 +0000

Staying home is a personal choice. I never felt comfortable doing so because I loved working. I have four kids and a supportive husband who worked from home for 4 years while owning his own business. Also, the reason staying home didnt’ work for me was when my husband got laid off from his job, we were happy that I had a viable income such that the total financial burden of the home didn’t rely completely on him. Also, we perferred to send our kids to school by the age of 3 yrs. Also, we did the alternate work schedule for a time when he first started his at home business. After our youngest turned 3yrs, my husband was more than happy to work outside of the home and sell his business. Staying home is a matter of choice. I personally would have been unhappy doing so.

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:15:14 +0000

My fiance and I have talked extensively about this topic. We finally came to the decision that, when we have children, I’ll stay at home and raise them, as well as homeschool them (for K-8 years, and then private school for high school). I plan to go for a masters through an online program or start my own home business (or write a book) while at home. With a masters and continued community involvement, it will help me to stay career viable in the event of a family crisis (medical bills for children/spouse/self, layoff, house burns down, etc).

By: Briana M.

Briana M. — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:10:51 +0000

i feel that moms should work and let the children go to day care!

By: Lola

Lola — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:59:50 +0000

I have to call in less than ten minutes! See my husband is a police officer and we are living paycheck to paycheck right now. But between the sub pay and the gas money, and the money I will spend on getting my room ready, also 3 days a week child care, my mother in law would help two days (if I help her out with the grocery bill)–I just dont know if I can really afford to work! Thanks for all your help. Will let you know what I decide.

By: Lola

Lola — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:56:44 +0000

By: Mum-to-be

Mum-to-be — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:29:24 +0000

Lola,
I am not a mum yet but I have a friend who has the same situation as yours. She has to work to support herself and her 3 kids. Her neighbour is babysitting her kids when she goes to work.

However despite that, you don’t sound like you are ready to leave your kids to go to work. Like what Melinda said, I think there will be other jobs for you at the right time. I don’t think that is the only job in the world for you. Maybe next time even better?

I have got a friend who stays at home for few years but still has a job because she keeps on updating her CV..by teaching tuitions at home just for 3 hours a week. I am not sure if that works there.

Good luck in whatever decision you make!!

By: Lola

Lola — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:15:24 +0000

Yes, I am down to the wire here on this one. I only have about an hour before I have to let the school know my decision. The problem is that they asked me last summer and have since hired people that were well below me on “the list” of subs. And if I pass this one up I most likely will never be asked again and will move on to the next sub. (I think they asked me out of a favor of my father–who works at the district)

By: Patrick

Patrick — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:55:30 +0000

I agree with Melinda in many respects. If you need the money to get by, then you should probably take the position. If you prefer to be a stay at home mom for another few years and can do without the money for the time being, then you can probably afford to wait awhile. It is very possible a better position in a closer location may pop up in the near future, which would be better for you and your family (an hour commute each way is a long way to go each day, and removes you from your family for an extra 10 hours each week).

Best of luck in your decision.

By: Melinda (Aussie-Girl)

Melinda (Aussie-Girl) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:42:39 +0000

Lola,

It appears your last comment is causing you to hurry into something you may not really want at all.

“But then if I do not take this job I will be …………..”

There will be a job there sometime, someone has to take maternity leave, someone will retire, someone may have another offer elsewhere.

If you possibly can, don’t let the ’sense of urgency’ drive your decision.

Obviously, if financially, things are looking pretty grim you may need to review but you will not regret ever spending those precious years with your babies.

Good luck and God bless in whatever you decide to do!