Deciding to Stay at Home

This is the most important decision of many mother's lives. It is a difficult decision and only the person making it can really feel the pressure of this decision. When I was making my decision I was freaking out about the budget. I loved being a teacher, but knew I could walk away from it. What I didn't know about was whether or not we could afford that walk. I am in charge of the budget because I am too much of a control freak to let my husband do anything with it, so I knew our bills. I wrote up a budget and how much money my husband would need to make monthly to make ends meet. The numbers were right and I felt confidant in my decision.

Well it wasn't that easy. I still remember that week leading up to the decision. I couldn't sleep at night and I couldn't eat during the day. All types of scenarios were playing through my mind. I went to college for 4.5 years to earn my degree - and I was just going to give it up? It was hard, but my son's smile brought reality into the forefront. I couldn't imagine leaving him with anyone else. I didn't trust anyone else. Heck - still to this day I don't really trust anyone with him....including his father. That's just me being a control freak, first time mom and a little OCD. I talked with a lot of people including one of my bosses. Most people were in support of me staying home, while a few didn't want to see me lose my independence.

That's the funny thing about today's society. A woman who stays at home is viewed as being dependent upon their husband. Ironic, but if something were to happen to me...I know that my husband wouldn't be able to manage our household. But I'm the dependent one! :)

I know my role in my family and I know that it's an important and empowering one. I just have to get over the stereotypes and negative connotations surrounding staying at home. I mean to much of my husband's dismay: I don't just sit around watching soaps and eating bon bons.

If you have already made the decision to stay at home - Congratulations! It won't be easy but it'll be worth it. Nothing is better for your child's future than having one of their parents actually raise them. If you are struggling to make the decision - Don't take the decision lightly...it's an important one, but not everyone was meant to stay at home for whatever reasons. Just sit down make lists, talk to your family and friends and come to a decision that will benefit your family.