Things You'll Need:
- A can do attitude!
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Step 1
The beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy is a wonderful feeling. The morning sickness symptoms that were experienced in those first few months have faded away. With every passing day you begin to feel a new sense of self and of the new little life growing within you. There are so many decisions a mother needs to make. After all you are no longer living for yourself. Such choices of what color to paint the baby’s room and scented or non scented wipes are some of the minor decisions that will need to be made. All of these things no doubt will be heavy on your mind. Then the age old question of whether to stay home with the baby or not pops into your mind. Many people think that being a stay at home mom is nearly impossible financially. Perhaps they are concerned that living on one income would be too risky. Rest assured that many mothers before you have gone through the dilemma of choosing whether to stay home or continue working after the baby has been born.
Here are a few things to consider before becoming a stay at home mother:
• Have you made your thoughts of staying home with the baby known to your spouse?
• How much income do you and your spouse currently receive?
• How much money can you live on?
• Are there any unnecessary expenses that can be cut?
• Will you be able to save some money before the baby comes?
• Are you ready to take on the challenge of being a stay at home mom? -
Step 2
When two people in the family are working there is more disposable income. Movies, dinners and vacations are enjoyed more frequently. Once you decide to quit your job your income is greatly reduced. The first step in choosing to stay at home would be to sit down with your spouse and let him know your feelings. Being honest with him can avoid future confrontations or misunderstandings. Together calculate how much money you both earn and then calculate the number of bills you have on a monthly basis. Also make sure that you figure in groceries, gasoline, dry cleaning, entertainment and things of that nature. Another expense to factor in would be the items you will need for the baby such as diapers, wipes, formula and other necessary things. Do not to get discouraged if it looks like at first it may not be possible to stay home. Try making adjustments now to see how much money your family can actually live on comfortably and then make a decision.
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Step 3
While income is very important to consider you can not forget the most important reason for staying home and that is your baby. It will mean that for a time you will need to put any ambitions in your career aside while you are caring for your little one. This does not mean that your identity as a career woman will fade away. You will only be adding mother to your resume and that can be a valuable asset to employers. How so you ask? Being a mother is one of the most demanding jobs a woman can perform. In a few years you will be able to better deal with stress, learn how to manage your time and a host of many other situations that will occur. Many mothers return to the workforce when their children have reached school age and have found that they are better equipped to deal with most situations at work. No doubt those same mothers do not regret spending their child’s most important first years with them at home. You will be the most influential person in your child’s life. Staying at home means teaching your baby from sun rise to sun set. Getting to know any new acquaintance is a challenge. So life at home will be hectic until you have learned about the baby and the baby has learned about you.
Being a stay at home mother has its advantages and its disadvantages. Motherhood is a time of sacrifice and a time of immense rewards. Your decision to stay at home is a personal one that no one else can make for you. So take some time to evaluate your personal finances and situation to decide what will be best for you and your family.
