This is a huge question new mommies and even mommies of more than one ask a lot! Should I be a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) or work or send my child to day care. There are several things you need to consider before making this decision.
1) First and foremost, is this something you want to do or feel pressured to do?
If you want to stay home, then you for sure should consider it! However, if you don't want to, it is totally okay. You are doing what makes you happy and that in turn will make your family happy. Don't ever be a SAHM because of pressure. You are no less of a mommy if you decide to work instead of stay home. Some women have to work and some enjoy working. Both are fine!
2) Second, you need to look at your finances.
Is staying at home something your family can financially do? You need to calculate your bills and expenses and then calculate how much money you will need. If you cannot financially meet your bills without an income from you, than you should not stay home. I personally cannot be a stay at home mom because of finances. I really want to stay home, but for our family, that is what is best. Is it better to put your family in a financial strain or to provide for the needs of your family? That is something that you have to decide.
3) Third, decide if you will be a full-time stay at home mom or not. Sometimes, it is good for the mom to get out and work a little or volunteer a little and to let the child have some time interacting with other kids at a pre-school or day care. It is healthy for both of you. Either way, you just need to make this decision.
4) Take it year by year.
Don't feel pressure to make a plan for two years down the road right now. Take it year by year and month by month with your family to decide what is best. When a few years down the road comes, you can make decisions then. Enjoy your decision now and don't worry about the future.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
5) Talk to other SAHM's and other working mom's to see what life could be like both ways.
Sometimes it helps to see other's points of few on the situation who are actually in the situation. I recommend talking to several women in both categories. This will help you see a wide view on both options and which fits you better. Try to really understand what everyday life would be like in both situations. (Although all situations are different, this gives you a better understanding.) Make a pros and cons list. Be very honest!
6) Consider a job where you can work from home.
The option of a SAHM mom may not be available for your family, but you may possibly be able to work from home. Maybe this is an option with your job or you may be able to find a position where this is available. This is a good option for those who need the mother's income but it still allows her to be at home. It would be totally different than a SAHM mom that doesn't work, but at least you could be home and find a balance that way.
Hope this helps you! Pray about it and make the best decision for your family. Neither is right or wrong. Look out for the next two blogs: What not to say to a working mom and What not to say to a SAHM.
Until next time,
