Working mother or stay at home mom?

Question

Or a little of both? What works for you?

I'm actually not a mom yet, well I'm a stepmom of an early teen, but I'm wondering what works for people.

Answer 1

sahm

Answer 2

I stayed home with my son for a year. That was best for him at the time because we tried daycare and he was sick all the time. Staying at home kept him away from so many germs until he was a little bit older. I went to work when he turned one year old and have worked for the last 14 years. The pros were that he had friends to play with every day so he learned to share, take turns, etc. They potty trained him. The took as good care of him as I would. The cons were, yes, I missed his first step. He picked up some bad behavior from some kids, but we dealt with it and somehow it turned out ok. I have worked for a company that is very flexible. I have never missed ballgames, award ceremonies, school functions that were important to him, etc. Even now with him in high school I can pick him up on time and bring him back to the office if necessary. (he is not 16 yet) I think the most important thing is if you choose to work----make sure you still have time for your child. Some employers want to be the only thing in your life and that just does not work if you have a child.

Answer 3

Well I do have an opinion about this and I have some points of reference that some people don't have.....

I think the "best" is to be home with your children. There is nothing and no one that can take your place as a Mom. And it is only a few years that they have you to do that, or that you have them.

I was home with my own children and have never regretted that.....they knew that they came first.

However...times are pretty difficult and sometimes, just to financially make it Moms have to work....even if there are two salaries coming in. In this case, arrange your schedule for the best for your children. Work less days, work during school hours, etc. and let your children know they come first.

I know from experience of working with children and parents of children...the most secure child is the one who knows the parent is there for them, no matter what. They give their child quality time, working or not. It's not the working parent that is the problem....it's how much thought and care the parent gives to the child whether they are working or not that matters.

And for the good of every child's future, it is best for Mom to equip herself so she "can" support her child if she needs to...things happen we don't expect. Before you have more children, consider it and find a job that works for your child's benefit.

And don't buy the "lie" that pre-school can take your place. Not true....it is o.k. for short periods, but a poor second best to Mom.

Answer 4

I have 5 kids. They range from 14 to 25. I was a stay at home mom for the most part. (Occasionally I would get a part time jobs) I think whats important is that you enjoy what you do. If it's working, then you should work. If it's staying at home, then stay home. Your child reflects what you are. You want a happy child, then you have to be happy yourself. BTW, I was raised by a stay at home mom, (there were 6 kids in our family) but my husband's mom worked part time. (there were 7 kids in his family) (LOL, can you say good little Catholic people?) There's nothing wrong with doing what you want to do.

Answer 5

I stay at home with my son. He is 10 months old. When he gets a little older I will work somewhere part time to get a break from the house a night or 2 a week. I can do this because my husband owns his own business and we can affrod for me to stay home. Not everyone has that luxery of a choice.

Answer 6

I was a stay at home mother for 8 years. I went back to work 1 year ago because my husband lost his job. I miss it. I loved being able to be there when they got out of school. But working is nice too. We have extra money so we can pay $150. a week for day care. Doesn't seem worth it.

Answer 7

The choice really lies with you in the end. Some people cant cope by staying at home and other do. You have to ask yourself if you are in a position of staying home, some moms don't have a choice they have to work ,in order to keep there families. If you are able to stay home ,i think it would be good. Children need someone that is at home when they are at home to help them with homework and just to be there or to listen , to keep them out of trouble and to make them feel loved and taken care off.

Answer 8

I was stay at home till the youngest was in kindergarten, then I worked till the oldest went to high school, then I worked till the youngest was out of college. Sometimes it was part time some times it was full time, but I never had a career and if I had I would have worked full time all the time.
I did find that the kids needed me more in the high school, junior high years, as a sort of moral backup than in elementary school, and that surprised me.

Answer 9

Sadly often finances determine what is best. Eating and having a roof over your heads is best!

When my kids were small I found part-time work was best for me. I found 2-3 days a week worked well. Anymore than that and I felt my focus was on work more than my children.

A few days out of the house with people who talk in multiple word sentences and do not follow me into the bathroom was good for me! I returned refreshed and happy to see my children again (even if it means being followed into the bathroom.)

Answer 10

I'm a working mom.. Sometimes I wish i was at home with my daughter.. Other times I'm glad to just get out of the house. I would feel a little pent up at home all the time.

Answer 11

i think if you can afford to stay at home with your kids during their formative years, that that is the best option. however, this day in age that isn't always realistic financially. and i admire women who do both. but if you have a choice, i say always choose your kids over your career. and if you do have to work, make sure that you take time to mentor your kids and give them a good foundation of morals and values to practice when you're not around. too many kids are left on their own to make big decisions they shouldn't have to be making at such a young age.