Stay at Home Mama's

kylaelizabeth92

Hey mamas! I will try to make this short, and to the point! I am a hair stylist and I love what I do. I do not, however, love the hours, pay (or lack there of), and being away from my son. Hubby and I are thinking about baby #2 and everything says yes, except for paying double for daycare! I have been seriously considering staying home with my son and watching 3 children in our house. Our state law says that we can watch up to 3 (non biological) children without a license. The pay would be equal to or more than what I am making now, and no daycare cost! I absolutely love the idea, except for the fact that I love doing hair as well..

Do any of you have experience with watching kids while you are a 'stay at home mom'? I would love all of your opinions because as of right now the only thing holding us back from baby # 2 is the daycare thing. I should also add, we are at an in-home daycare right now and are not satisfied at all.. For what we pay we are just not impressed with the care we are getting.. PLEASE HELP! 

momofsweetps

I watch a 9 month old and stay at home with my September kiddo, my 3 and 5 year old. I love it so much. My kiddos also love the little boy I watch. He's part of our family. I only charge her for days I have him and that works out best for me in case I have a sick kiddo, etc. His Mom is a school teacher so I won't have him in the summer, but that works best for me because my other 3 kids will be home. 

JessicaS0914

I would just make sure you're up for watching (and taking FULL responsibility for) that many children. Going from working mom of one to SAHM of 2 + additional charges is a major change mentally. Also, I'm not sure what the general expectations are of in home day care, but I know as a SAHM mom, there are just some days where the tv goes on and I need some decompression time with my phone or iPad. My kids, my choice. However, if I was paying someone to watch my kids, I don't know if I'd be ok with that. 

momofsweetps

^ she has a point. I never turn the tv on and I'm always doing activities with them. I treat it like a daycare,I guess. I also keep a log of dirty/wet diapers, what he ate, how much. What he did, naps and his mood. It's helpful for his Mom to know what he did. I do wash his bottles and his clothes usually (if he comes in pjs, or has an accident), since I'm washing clothes anyways. Remember it's a commitment for the parents too. They need to know you will be able to keep their kiddo most of the time. It is hard some days, especially when I'm tired, I sometimes wish it was just my kids and we can just crawl in bed and sleep, but there were days when I wanted to do that when I worked. I've done both the working away from home and I prefer to be here. I also keep my house cleaner knowing he is coming everyday  

kylaelizabeth92

Thanks ladies! Both of you have great points. I am completely aware that if I did watch children in my home that it is a huge responsibility. If being able to be with my son everyday meant I couldn't watch tv or be on my phone (I don't do that at work now) I wouldn't mind.. my current daycare provider has the tv on 24-7 and they never do activities. It bothers me so much that I know I would be different. 

missliz53

I'm thinking of taking on an extra kid when DD gets a little older. Right now she's a handful all by herself. My mom did this when my brother and I were younger and I remember really enjoying having playmates around. 

chelseajeanene

I'm a hairstylist as well, why don't you set up a salon in your home? I have a salon chair and set up in my kitchen

ForeverEverAfter

I couldn't handle being away from my girls to bring home so little after childcare. I'm in Canada, so I had a year mat leave. I started taking in children in Feb to try it out (occasional/drop in). Then after a few times, I took on a part time family (1-2 days per week), and found it was easier (really!) to have extra children, because my 3yo had someone to play with, allowing me more time to care for LO. I liked it so much that I became a registered home daycare, got a business name, and started an online montessori course. I track everything they do with a free daycare app (bright wheel) so parents know what their kids do). I feel my children are benefiting from me being more engaged. I meal plan, cook from scratch, plan activities ahead... plus I have to keep my home to health & safety standards, so I have stayed on top of dishes, cleaning, etc, and even let the kids to help clean (dusting, mopping and sorting socks are things they now ask to do). 

I've had 5 part time kids (up to 4 in one day, 6 kids total, which is the most I'm allowed in my province), and now that a few are moving on, I've committed to a full time baby starting in a couple weeks. 

Financially, it can be difficult to schedule part time, and there's no security (people change jobs, move, have more babies, etc). I'm a RN, so I kept my job (just switched to casual) and still pick up a couple shifts a month. I like having my foot in the door-if my daycare kids go on vacation, I can pick up extra.

Its not for everyone, but I really love it!

kylaelizabeth92

chelseajeanene said:

I'm a hairstylist as well, why don't you set up a salon in your home? I have a salon chair and set up in my kitchen

I don't have enough clientele to do that and make a good living. I also don't have the extra space.  Otherwise I would love to!