Should Mom's work or just stay at home?

Answer 1

They should do what feels right. Each person needs to answer this for themselves. And staying at home IS work. People get paid to care for children all day, mother's don't, but it's still work. Often, even though the mother is caring for a child, 24/7 it is also expected that they will clean house, run errands, and various other thankless tasks.

Some moms want to always be there, be the main person raising the child. They want that close bond, (not that working moms don't bond) and to be there when their child needs them, when they take their first steps, etc. Some moms feel this desire to be a full time parent very strongly.

After you figure in your work day 8-10 hours, driving time, and time spent sleeping at night, a mom who works full time is only with her child a few hours out of the day. Someone else is doing the lions share of caring for that child (not that there is anything wrong with that!). Still, during those hours she is likely making dinner, giving baths, laundry and whatever else needs to get done. Not a lot of quality time.

On the other hand, some moms have to work, for financial reasons, and/or just really want to. They may love their careers, or love the feeling work gives them. I also know many moms who say they'd go crazy if they were at home all day, every day. That's not good for mom or baby to be together all day with the mom feeling that way. I know many moms who say working makes them a better mom.

Some moms are able to find that great job that allows them more time with their child, and be able to work, either by working at home sometimes, working part time or job sharing.

There is no one easy solution to this answer. I wish people would stop pushing what they think is right and realize that there is more than one right answer!

Answer 2

To some degree, other moms may be a little jealous! Not everyone can afford to be a stay at home mom, and as in your case, afford to be a working mom! The argument is a long standing one, and you'll find rude people that don't have the ability to respect your decision. If it feels right to you, don't worry about other's opinions. Doing the best by your child is the most important. I'm due in November, and am struggling with the same decision. I'm considering part-time to satisfy both needs. You can always make money, but you can't always make up for lost time!

Answer 3

I am a firm believer in Moms being at home unless the financial end of the situation is bad and then only part time until the children are in school. I never worked outside the home until my children were in school and that was by choice because I wanted to be busier and have a little extra money but I was home when they got home from school. There are a lot of situations now with the ecomony bad where the mother has to work (even with dad working) to make ends meet, especially if she is a single mother. It is too bad it is that way but it is a fact in today society. If grandma is able to keep the children or some other family member, it is better for the children, in my opinion. But that is not always the case and children are in daycare more than home and develope behavior problems sometimes. I think if you can stay home until they are in school it is much better but if not and can afford it work part time and try to be home when they get home from school, unless dad is in the picture and can arrange his work schedule so he is home when the children get home. There are also Moms helping other Moms by bartering babysitting to cut expenses but the big thing is if the children are being cared for properly, we have all heard the daycare horror stories. Kisses and Hugs to All Kids, God Bless, Elle

Answer 4

The perfect situation would be one parent stays at home and raise the children and takes care of the home. Unfortunately the economy doesn't allow this for everyone. In some families both parents work and struggle to get by. My wife never worked until the children were both over 5 years. She didn't have to she wanted to, and I stood behind her 100%.

Answer 5

Ideally, moms should be able to stay home with their kids until they are all in school full-time. Then mom should be able to work only part-time for her sanity and to help with the family finances, but be home before the kids or by the time the kids get home from school. Ideally, doesn't mean it's always possible. For this to happen the family has to be very frugal and go without luxuries or big vacations. It can be done.

Answer 6

It depends on the family situation. If the mother have very young children and she doesn't have a sitter, she will have to be a stay at home mom while her husband works no matter how less money her husband makes. If the mother have teenagers and the teenagers are obedient and her husband makes enough to survive, it is up to her whether she wants to work or not. If she has teenagers and her husband doesn't make enough, she will have to work.

Answer 7

if a mother can afford it I would strongly recommend staying at home, at least till the child starts to school..I was a stay at home mom and never regretted one minute of it, when my son turned 1 year old I placed an add in the newspaper for 1 child to keep for my son to have a play mate, then it became 4..I found that it was easier to keep children in even numbers, my son had playmates, and I had extra spending money.. something to think about...also my husband was a great provider, and we both worked hard at managing our money so this could be possible

Answer 8

I think stay at home !!! I soo wish I could be a stay at home mom !!! Right now im working 3-11 and my hubby 5-3 !!! I never get to see him !! put my daughter to bed , cook dinner at night etc... it is best for the mother to be at home to do these things

Answer 9

Mom's who care will do whatever they have to do in order to keep their house and home and kids well fed and housed.

For some moms that means working a job outside of the home. For some other moms that means staying at home.

What a mom needs most is understanding and cooperation so her hard work and devotion are appreciated.

Answer 10

If she can afford it and she wants to stay home, then sure, but if she has a career and doesn't want to be left on the "mommy track" then no she can't be a stay at home mom if she doesn't want to be treated like she doesn't matter in her career.