I have been fortunate to stay at home most days with my kiddos since The Little Man was born. Only working a few days a week, then cutting back even more once Baby Girl Barker came. But just this week, we made a huge decision to make me an official and full time Play at Home Mommy!!! I have incredible mixed feelings about this.
I have been with the same company for over 10 years, and I have made life long friendships and relationships thru my time there. Although it was nice to have some adult interaction every once in a while (and not to mention working with clothes is one of my greatest passions) but now that I am a mommy, there’s no greater blessing than raising little kiddos and being with them thru not only my own ups and downs, but theirs as well.
This decision is going to be such a struggle and our family is going to need to make major sacrifices. Our finances have always been tight since having kids. We went from a multi car, toy, and home owner, to a single car family who rents a two bedroom duplex. The cut backs and struggles have been hard and at times I wonder if not working is really worth it.
But then I look at pictures like this, and I tear up in realizing that I am living my dream and I have the greatest blessings I could imagine.
A healthy family, love, and my faith are all that I need. The money will come in time, and the house and car will follow.
Right now, I’m so glad to be able to stay at home with my family and grow our bond even more!!
Congratulations on your big decision! I’m excited for you! I love staying home and sacrificing splurging so I can. It was a difficult decision for me too, especially since I went to college for 4 years to become a nurse then only worked as one for 2 years, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being a mom is the best and most rewarding job there is and never having to miss a moment of it is such a blessing. Good luck!
You will not be sorry. I was working part-time in a job I loved when our twins were born very premature. It made the decision to quit easy for me at the time. I spent 10 years as an official “SAHM”. Every first was MINE to enjoy! You will be blessed for your faith and it will be hard to live without stuff but stuff can always be obtained later- these years can’t be.
We always talk like the SAHM thing is for the kids. Guess what? It’s not- at least not entirely. It is for you. Your kids will get a second-chance at childhood when they become parents and will be able to make up for whatever they felt they lacked (and everyone has something on that list no matter how good the parents). This is YOUR last chance at a beautiful childhood as you see the life you create through their eyes. Enjoy every hard, thankless, tiresome, messy wonderful day of it! Plenty of time when they are older to ‘find’ yourself again- and you will.
PS- As a just returned to work Mommy I would recommend that you keep your skills up somehow while a SAHM. Best stuff on my resume were experiences I was free to have via volunteering while a SAHM!
Actually, it’s not really your last chance at a beautiful childhood. You still have grandparenting and great grandparenting to look forward to! Best times of my life have been spent as a gramma!
Love it! You will be blessed beyond measure for making this choice. XO
Its hard, I have been fighting this battle myself between going to work and staying home with the kiddos. But it is so nice to be with the babies and for me it is worth the struggle. That’s my opinion but I am happy for your little family!