Woes of a Stay-At-Home Mom

I think it's great that you are able to stay at home with your children. I think that is extremely important. More imporant than the best schools, and giving them all they desire. The kids appericate your presence more than presents. If you are able to keep your debts low, give them the basics and a little more then I'd stay home. If you go to work they'll be child care added to your list of bills too. Unless you've got some family around that will help you out :) That's pretty much what I would love to do - my dream 'job'. It wouldn't be plausible with us though.

I believe that most SAHMs struggle with financial problems. I guess it comes with the territory (unless of course your husband is a high-ranking business executive, a filthy-rich businessman, a thriving politician or a top level government officer). But majority of SAHMS come from a lower to middle class families trying to survive daily on a single family income. Being a SAHM has been a secret dream of mine from childhood. Having doctor parents left me and my siblings in the care of a nanny most of the time. Deep in my heart, I knew I couldn't do the same to my kids when my turn came to be a parent. But the decision to become a SAHM, although fulfilling and rich in terms of emotional love and accomplishment, involves so much sacrifice, a broader mental perspective and a more enduring heart. Sure, the quality of time you spend with your children are priceless, the feeling of awe and wonder you get to see their firsts cannot be measured against any monetary equivalent, and having a direct hand in their raising will assure them of being better equipped to handle the big, scary world. During my earlier years as a SAHM, financial woes were tremendous and took a toll on my own self-worth and respect. Having to rely on my husband for my needs after being used to fending for myself was an adjustment that was both scary and uncomfortable. But somehow, and I am sure it was with God's most wonderful grace, our financial problems became more and more manageable. Don't get me wrong, we are still heavily in debt, but it's not something that we lose sleep over anymore. It's because we (but hubby mostly) were able to find alternative means to rehabilitate our financial state by restructuring our finances. Having found part-time work or supplementary source of income solved my self-esteem problems (more than the financial aspect). And all these I'm able to do without having to leave the house and the kids. I guess most SAHMs really need work that they can do while at home and get paid for it. MyLot is not really something that will pay you big, so that's out...it's really more for learning and sharing. There are other job opportunities available out there (hint: most are online). We just have to keep looking... The bad days of SAHMs will be there...mostly in the start up process but one thing is for sure....it can only get better...trust me...

I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom. I agree with you that it is priceless! But at the back of my mind, Im really scared of financial burdens. I must admit, with all these obligations, the family cannot survive with just the hubby working. But given the chance (which I am really praying for), I would love to stay at home...have a small business of my own. Oh well...I just hope one day it will come true. Good luck to us my friend!