Hopefully will be joining you

jneden

Hi! I'm currently a working mom. We have a beautiful 13 month old daughter and are expecting another little one in January!! My hubby and I just realized that when the new little one arrives almost my whole salary will be going to daycare. Its not worth it, I would rather be home with my kiddos. My questions are, how do SAHM make it work? It seems so scary to actually quit. Do you do anything on the side to earn extra income? Do you have any budget saving tips? Is it a really hard transition to go from working full time to being home all the time with the kids? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

lexusolsen

I just posted this on the working moms board but it seems like it will work here too...

I got laid off when dd was born and stayed at home for a year. I'm glad I did it because I thought that's what I would want. It wasn't.

Another thing to consider is that being a SAHM isn't cheap. I didn't actually stay at home because I would go crazy. There are some free things to do (like the park or library story time) but that's not enough stimulation for you and a toddler. Even cheap classes at the rec center add up quickly.

You also need to consider increased electricity usage and gas. You might need more clothes if you aren't wearing your professional wardrobe anymore. Your house will get messier too since you will be home more often.

Just a little insight from someone who has btdt.

sschwege

Hi there!  Your questions are quite common so we have a FAQ link near the top of this board.

sometimesalwayschaotic

I do not do anything to make extra income but I do a lot to make our income work.  I grocery plan and try to make cheaper meals.  I bargain shop and buy most of the kid's stuff used.  We have also cut down a lot of non essentials such as cable and we do not have smart phones. I transitioned when I was pregnant.  It was quite a transition to get used to being home all the time.  I went a bit stir crazy at first.  I did get used to it and am quite happy staying home.  We only leave the house about once a week.  I do not do paid activities with my girls because of the cost but the library has a ton of free activities and so does my MOPS ground.  MOPS does have a nominal fee but it's worth it to have a little baby free time every month.  Another thing I do to save money is keep a price book so that I know what the bottom dollar price is on food.  Then I can see when a really good sale hits and stock up.  This saves a ton of money.

jneden

Thanks ladies! Your advice and the FAQs are very helpful!