Deal with Daycare or Just Stay Home?

Hi there S. I was just reading your story Oh my gosh I'm so sorry about all the troubles you have had. Im a SAHM of twins and I absouletly love it. But some people love to get out a little and work also. I'm not sure where you are located but I'm actually currently looking to take in one family. My whole thing is I don't want to get licensed due to the simple fact that I don't want to have a big group that is why I'm looking to take in one family so all the kids get the attention that they deserve. So I don't know if it would be something you would be intersted in or not. If your interested just emial me and we can talk more! My email is ____@____.com Luck to you!!
M.

Shophia,

Have you talked with your boyfriend? That would be my first step since he would be brining home all the money. If he was ok with it, I would say stay home. I love being home with my kids. I work from home PT and just got a job that I work from 4am-12:30pm, which is a great schedule for us since my husband works 3-11pm. My old is the only one that was in daycare and that was only for about 3yrs. Since than I have been able to be home and now I have a 4yr old and a 6wk old.
If it wasn't for the jobs I have, I woulnd't work them, as I don't want my kids in daycare if I am able to work around it.

You may want to see if you could still work your job a few hours a week and get a sitter to come to your house, if you are concerned about not having your own money. When I met my husband I had my daughter already and we than had our son, but didn't get married for 2yrs and he payed the bills.

Good luck with your decision, what ever you decide is best for your family is what will work.!!!

ps: Ever thought of running your own daycare from your home. I did do that for over a year until we recently moved last January.

Hi S.~

I am also unmarried, but in a stable, live in relationship with my son's dad for three years now. I stay home with my son and always have. It wasn't intentional, it just sort of happened that way. I thought I'd HAVE to go back to work, but we've coped ok.

It sounds like you're grappling with two separate issues: the difficulties in finding acceptable care for BOTH girls and the logistics of all that, and additionally, maybe some trust issues with leaning completely on your partner. I would definitely explore that some. Do you know that Suze Orman book Women and Money? See http://www.saveyourself.com

Would you be able to take on a few regular, private clients out of your home or theirs a couple times a week and just SAVE that money? If you don't NEED the extra $, I think that would be a great way to keep your calling in your life, do something really positive with what you do earn, and avoid the daycare hassle. I do think kids belong at home. I realize that many of us choose lifestyles that prevent that from being possible, and some of us really do have to work and it's just out of our hands. But I do think that's best for kids, to be home with mom.

Good luck with your decision!

Are you a better mommy when you work? I know I am...I enjoy working and getting out and being an adult. I also loved being home with my son, he's doing great in daycare and we love our provider.
If you think you are a better mommy working than thats what you should do, if you can continue to work part time and still be home with the kids as well part of the week its a great situation. I would however, either stop working and focus on looking for a provider that can physically care for the kids and BOTH of your kids at the same place.
Good, quality daycare is extremely hard to come by and once you've got it, you dont want to lose it. Not only being a good provider emotionally and loving the kids, she must be physically capable of caring for the kids. JMO. If you can wait to put the girls back in daycare I would, it must be hard having them being in two seperate places.

I think you should error on the side of completeness and self happiness and continue to work, but I think you should consider quitting your job now until you can get both of your kids in with the same daycare lady. You mentioned an opening in April. You'd only be off of work for a few months and you will maintain an awesome provider. Sometimes good providers are hard to come by.

I'm a better mommy staying home. Sure it's tough financially but I'm happier and my daughter is happier. I have all the time in the world to commit to her childhood, raising her, taking care of the home etc.., I use to have my daughter in daycare and felt I was missing out on everything.

Just figure out what makes you the best mommy, and completes you. If staying home with drive you nuts then work part time.

stay home. You are the best provider for your children. If you can make your bills as you said them go for it.I'm unmarried with 2 children & I would jump at the chance to stay home with my 2 if I could afford it. Best of luck to you!

Hi S.,
My name is G. Gebre and I'm a local childcare coordinator for Cultural Care Au Pair program. It's a live in flexible and affordable childcare (45 hours/week $300)program.
You can save up to $750 if you apply by Dec. 15th.
Please check our website www.culturalcare.com
Call me with any questions.

G.
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