To Stay Home or To Not Stay Home

I would not trade being a SAHM for anything in the world. Is it thankless? At times. Is it hard? Heck yes. But being able to hold my guy all day long, share every smile, every kiss, every laugh is so worth it, to be able to rock him for every nap, hold him while he sleeps, go out and have adventures together. He will only be little once and I want to share it all with him (and the plus side is that I get to be home for the big kids as well, so I am there when they come off the bus, there to do homework and such).  

I don't have me time since my boy is very attached to me and has some seperation issues right now, but I know a day will come when he does not want to hold my hand or kiss me in public or be silly with me while at the playground, so for selfish reasons really, I don't mind being the only person who can calm him, or soothe him or meet his needs.

I think if you can do it, you should do it, but I think it all depends really on how you view it going in, your expectations of what it is going to be like and how you plan to parent that will really give you a better idea of where you belong.

What a beautiful option.  I'd jump at that chance for at least the 1st year - you'd still be able to do stuff at home even school or some part time work.  Or you can work outside of your house part time since money is not a high pressure issue.

Are you kidding?  That would be a dream come true for me!

All the Best,
Leila

I have done both also and both are hard in their own ways. I have been home now almost 2 years again and just now had the baby so for awhile I was alone during the day while my kids were at school. I get bored now and not because I dont love the time with my kids but I miss being around people. I was an assistant manager at a bank so my daily activity was to be around people and talk to them and help my employees. It is very hard to stay home and sometimes people think its lazy but man sometimes would I love to go to work and just do that cause then I would not have to find time be without anything to do. Now my "free" time means laundry cleaning or cooking without holding a baby. Yet I went to work when my oldest was 2 weeks old working in a nursing home and I was hurt and angry because I missed everything. Man it does hurt either way but I have been lucky to be able to be home. I know the benefits of each but dont think their is ever the right answer for everyone since its something you have to decide on your own situation. Good luck but let us know!!

My son will be 15 next month...and I'd STILL love to be a SAHM.  I love it when I have a day off and can be there when he gets home...and I'm relatively sure he likes me being there when he gets home too (at least most of the time! LOL).   I'm really hoping that in the next few years, I can take up my next career...as a housewife.  If it can be as a SAHM at the same time, that's icing on the cake (ie, I'd have to get/stay pg and have another one...because by then my son will be in college!).

If you have the option and can afford it - I'd say take at least the first year and be with your little one.  If you do decide to work, though...since the day care's right there in your building, I'm sure your work would be flexible enough to allow you to go down for breastfeedings. You could also do some pumping to provide a few bottles during the day if the baby had a growth spurt and needed a little extra snack while you weren't there.

Honestly...you have excellent choices either way - SAHM or at least having your baby easily accessible whenever you wanted. 

I worked only part -time when Emily was young. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and I would not trade that time I had with her for anything.

Tami