It isn’t easy being a one-income household.
There are a lot things we go with out so that I can stay home, and take care of our boys.
We hardly ever go on vacation. If we do it’s short, and to some place we can drive.
And our cars? They’re older than my five year old.
We don’t have the hottest cell phones. Our clothes are from the sales racks at Old Navy and Target instead of the newest inventory at Macy’s.
The boys aren’t enrolled in Montessori School. I’m the pre-school teacher around here.
When we do purchase something like a new computer or a Wii, we don’t go out and buy it right away. We save until we can afford it.
If the car breaks down or there’s some sort of other unexpected bill, we pay that first. Then we wait even longer for our “wants”.
I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t admit sometimes I’m envious of other moms’ spa days and luxury mini-vans with entertainment systems.
But, you know, all that stuff?
It’s just stuff.
Though our society doesn’t view it that way, things like iPhones and weekly manicures and dinners out four nights a week are really luxuries.
In some homes, and yes even in this country, just having enough food to eat dinner every night is a luxury.
I am so grateful that our needs are provided for.
I could go back to work.
Then we could go on Disney vacations every year, and I could Tweet from my Blackberry.
But I’d miss out on the one luxury that does really matter to me.
The privilege of being at home with my precious little boys every day.
Oh, sure, there are times I desperately want to talk to someone over 4 feet tall, and want to pull my hair out, and want to lock myself in the bathroom.
But most of the time I’m laughing or giving snuggles or kissing boo-boos. And that’s the stuff I don’t want to live with out.
I wouldn’t give it up for any of that other stuff.
This is heavy on my heart, because several moms have told me recently they’re going back to work even though they don’t want to.
I know the economy is bad, and it’s scary. I know you wonder some days if you’re going to make it.
If you really want to work, there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t think everyone should be a stay-at-home-mom.
But if staying home with your children is what you truly desire, then I implore you to weigh all your options. Re-evaluate your financial priorities. Re-work your budget.
You might find a way to make it work.
It could mean giving up small things like gym memberships and designer jeans.
It could mean giving up big things, like downsizing your house or your vehicles.
Is being home with your kids every day worth it?
I think so.
What do you think?
Yes, it is definitely worth it. I stayed at home for nearly two years. It was wonderful. Most days, I don’t even remember why I decided to go back to work. The whole family (well except my husband) was happier before. If it wouldn’t make my husband so depressed, I’d never work again. 🙂 He really hates being the sole provider for our family. If it were up to him, he’d stay home, and I’d work full time. The only thing is, I’m fairly certain that I’d still have to cook, clean, and arrange child care.
I totally agree with you…I get so sick of all the stuff. Sometimes I think that it is going to eat me!
I’m with you, both our cars are 16 years old and mine doesn’t even work anymore, but I don’t have to have a car all the time, so that’s okay. Sometimes I do wish we had a good car that ran most of the time, but like you, I’d rather be with my boys. It does take sacrifices, but my kids are worth it!
It’s definitely hard but i wouldn’t trade it for anything! I have spoke on this in other places but I recently resigned from my nice, salaried position for a variety of reasons. The time i was at work and away from home was a big one! This has been rough on us, especially because I may have not resigned when I did if I knew my husband was going to be laid off. But it is teaching all of us some things that were much needed to be known. A lesson of hard knocks as well. & again, acknowledging what really matters. God doesn’t put more on us than we can handle and he promises to be there with us through it all. We will get through this and times will get better. But we are together. Sometimes the stress may have us snipping at each other, then we catch ourselves… A new way of doing things and having an appreciation for what we usually take for granted has been a great experience! One of the biggest things many of us take for granted is our families! No more! I want my kids to really like each other as well as loving each other. Something else many people don’t think about.
most definitely worth any sacrifice it takes to stay home with the kids! 🙂 like you, I am very grateful for the opportunity to stay home with my kids and wouldn’t want any other job in the world! (okay, so maybe a chocolate taster wouldn’t be so bad, and I could do that on the side)
I don’t even want to think about going back to work later on… I think kids need us at home even more the older they get.
It’s a deep question, but one which every mum should ask herself. Always remember that where there’s a will, there is a way!
Amanda Alexander PCC (ICF)
Professional coaching for working mothers