stay at home moms

RoseRios15 · February 2016

I returned to work after my FMLA which was three months and have talked to my supervisor about cutting my hours to work from 40 to 32 which will not affect my work load... and I just was told that the CEO was not to supportive though I love my job I am not sure if it is worth it and if I should just resign.... how many of you mamas stay home and how is it how do you guys do it with just one income, though my husband has mentioned and would like me to stay home I wonder if I will lose my mind all day at home?

BrittnieMariee · February 2016

It can be pretty isolating. I get very little interaction with adults. But I honestly love being a SAHM. I figure we save a ton of money on daycare and I get to spend all my time with my sweet babe. Money is really tight. Hubby works really hard to support us. I'm only going to be able to do it for maybe the first year so I'm enjoying it while I can. Although I hope our finances work out to where I can stay home longer!

cmommy13 · February 2016

I work per diem and recently fired my nanny so I only work a few days a month. It can be isolating but you just have to take LO out and do things. I feel very lucky that I get to stay at home as much as I do. It's nice to have so much time with my son. He's growing up so fast and I've taken dozens of pictures and experienced things I would have missed if I wasn't home. I say stay home if you can. You'll never regret having time with your LO

mill1020 · February 2016

It's definitely not for everyone, but I've found a way to love it. Part of it for me is that when I was growing up, my parents worked constantly and were pretty unavailable to me even when they were around. So I try to focus on the things that I get to do with my kids, like taking them on certain outings during the summer, helping them when they're stuck w/ homework, reading to them all the time (even when they're sick of it/me, lol) and being the one who is at home w/ them when they're sick (even though that's never really "fun" in the purest sense of the word). We do have five kids now, though, so maybe it would be a little bit boring if you're planning on being one and done. Maybe not, though. There's lots of cool and inexpensive things out there to do with your kids if you've got the time and energy.
One thing that's super important to remember is that SAHMs can't and should not be expected to operate without any breaks. We are extremely lucky in that we also have sitters who help us regularly. We are frugal in order to make this happen. I should also mention that with the exception of a few months, we've done things this way (with one income) since the very beginning of having kids, so I can't really speak to the income adjustment at all.

Good luck with your decision. There's definitely no right answer. You'll do your best either way, and it will work out okay.

jennahkross · February 2016

I am staying home with my LO for a year. I am the only one in my circle that stays at home, so I had to reach out to other moms in my neighborhood. I used the Nextdoor and Meetup websites to find mom groups and it has helped me meet new moms and get some adult interactions during the day. I love being at home with my LO, but it is the hardest job I have ever had. You definitely don't get a day off!:)
We have had to make some adjustments financially but it hasn't been awful. Just go with what feels right to you!

steph256 · February 2016

I've been a sahm for 10 years now. It's very lonely at times and sometimes the only adult interaction is from your spouse. Although I might not bring home a weekly paycheck my reward is all the hugs and kisses from the children. Plus I coupon to save money and cook all our meals at home to save money. We are on a routine and it's easier knowing when I can get something done during the day. My DH works third shift so he sleeps during the day but he is awake in the evening to help with everything so I can finish up supper and helps with bath time and bedtime with the 3 year old while I'm putting the baby down to bed. We are following Dave Ramsey's baby steps to getting out of debt and should be debt free besides the house summer of this year. The key to money is a very strict budget. We don't do a lot of expensive things because it's more important to us to get out of what debt we have.

xcessxtaci · February 2016

I work only 2 days a week and still I miss my LO those few hours. The money I bring in pays for everything she may need. I wish I didn't work but my husband insisted it would be best to have the extra cash and still "interact with the world". I think I'm an introvert, so missing adult interaction on a daily basis does not matter to me. I love doing everything with her. If we aren't playing or sleeping she's strapped to me while taking care of little chores, like folding laundry is fun since she grabs everything, it's like an extra set of hands. She always seems interested in what I'm doing.

chelseajeanene · February 2016

It does get lonely sometimes but the thought of leaving him to work and have someone else get to play with him just isn't something I can handle. We're struggling finachially for sure, but I'm trying to start selling things from home and in the process of figuring all that out. Even if I were to go get a job and put him in daycare, it'd be $1,400 a month and honestly what is the point of working for a few extra bucks when the rest would go to someone else raising my child? I love being home with my little man, it's so rewarding and I know he's safest with me. I'm a former preschool teacher and it made me really think about things when the parents would show signs of being upset when the kids would get so attached to us. We spent more hours in the day with their children then they did, so of course they're going to get attached to the people they see the most. That made me so sad for the parents and must be upsetting for them too. I think if you have the opportunity to stay home, you should at least try it. They'll never be this little again and you can always find another job later. I think it's definitely worth the struggle for the time being

ForeverEverAfter · February 2016

I'm still on mat leave (Canada). I'm planning to go back full time at 11mo, but I'm trying to figure out if I could just do casual shifts instead and do childcare from home. There's always work in my field (ER RN), so I could choose to get another full time position later if it didn't work out. I make double what DH does, so I can't just not work. And he doesn't want to be at home.

As as to if you'll like it-depends on your interests. I love reading up on developmental and educational theory, and do preschool montessori work with my 3yo. I do a lot of baking, sewing and gardening. I can do all that with my children-so I would be very fulfilled at home. This is what I always wanted to do.

RoseRios15 · February 2016

thanks mamas!

AmandaNacora · February 2016

If you're used to working you will probably go stir crazy after a week or so, it's nice to be with LO and it definitely saves money on child care but it can get very lonely and frustrating. You really have to find a way to occupy your time and get some interaction with people. Also it can kind of strain your relationship, I feel like most SAHMs feel some resentment against their husbands because their husbands think staying home with a baby is easy and that they don't have to help out around the house or with the baby anymore. So be prepared for that part too.

tlc11934 · February 2016

Could you get a part time job instead? Best of both worlds.

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