I love being a stay-at-home mom. Even if it weren’t coming back into style, I have discovered many advantages for being a stay-at-home mom versus working.
If you’re a mom-to-be, or hope to be one someday, consider these reasons for forgoing a career – at least for a few years – and raising your child.
1. You can breastfeed as long as you want.
So you can keep providing your child with the antibodies and great nutrition your milk gives as long as you want to, without any outside pressure to wean by a certain age.
2. You save money.
Most couples find that after daycare expenses, it’s hardly worth Mommy going back to work as far as adding to the family income.
3. You develop stronger bonds.
There is a much better chance of bonding with your baby and strengthening that bond with your toddler and preschooler if you are her primary caregiver.
4. You understand your child better.
The person who is around your child the most will understand him best – and be able to respond to him more appropriately in various situations.
5. You have less stress.
All mothers have “those days”, but in general, a working mom will experience much more stress than one who stays at home.
6. You have more flexibility in your schedule.
Of course, this depends on the age of your child and whether she is still napping. However, you have more hours in your day than if you were working, even if you are having to prepare several meals and snacks a day.
7. You get to meet new people.
When you are confined to a job all day long, your circle of friends is largely limited. A resourceful SAHM, though, can meet other SAHMs at parks as well as join local Moms clubs.
8. You have the chance to develop a business from home…if you want.
When your child is old enough to spend an hour or two a day entertaining herself – even if not all at once – you can consider writing the Great American novel, starting a blog, or joining the army of network marketers. (You can make money doing both, if you follow the simple steps outlined in my e-book, Residual Wealth Dreams.)
9. You have more energy for your husband.
Don’t underestimate this one! I, of all mothers, know how draining and exhausting running after an active toddler can be. Still, I would be that much more drained and exhausted if I had to work all day then deal with a tired kid until his bedtime. And then do housework. As a SAHM, I have much more energy to be -shall we say - flirtatious with my husband at the end of the day.
10. You have more time and energy to develop a hobby.
A stay-at-home mom has more time to plunk on the piano, knit, or bake healthy goodies than one who works.
Surely I have not exhausted the list of advantages of choosing stay at home versus going to work. Feel free to add any in the comments!
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Stay at home dads are just as good too
Oh, yes! Definitely. But being a stay at home mom, I write about what I know.
Of course – I like “start a biz” reason. Being home was great for me and was my choice – although, I try to think of this and not judge my friends who did not stay at home. We all do what works for us == mentally, physically, financially. But, the best part of being at home is that we make our own rules and expectations AND can start the biz of our dreams….Rachel
“We make our own rules and expectations” – yes, a must for those of us who don’t like being told what to do.
Thanks for your insight, Rachel.