The saying, "Children are only young once" is a phrase I repeat often. Once they fly through the swinging doors and race down the school hallways to their class, the time we have to help them, teach them and play with them diminishes. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be a SAHM. (Stay-At-Home-Mom)10 years ago, when we were dating, my husband and I discussed our future life together and all of it's possibilities. We talked about whether or not we wanted kids and where we would ideally like to live, work & play. We agreed on two things at the time: First, that if we had a girl, her name would be Aleda, after my Grandmother. Second, that one of us would stay home while the kid(s) were young. It didn't matter where we lived, worked, or played. Over the years our commitment to having a SAHM has never wavered. The whole reason we strive to stick to our strict budget (say that 5 times fast!), is because we've made the choice for me to be at home with the kids until they're all in school full time. We made this decision before really knowing what it was like to be parents. We made this decision not realizing that we were in the minority group of having a stay-at-home parent. We made this decision without knowing how incredibly hard it would be to keep them busy and happy. I'm learning along the way how to parent according to our morals and values, how to reach out to the world when it felt as though we were all alone, how to entertain, teach and fill our days with activities that fit our desires as well as our tight budget. It's been tiring, lonely and challenging but also incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be home with the kids while they're young. I count my lucky stars that we have this particular lifestyle right now. As my youngest will soon be turning 4, my years with young kids at home full time have turned to months and we will soon be counting the weeks until he races toward the school doors. I'll continue to stick to our budget and make sacrifices, I'll continue to stick to our decision that we agreed on 10 years ago.
I've found even though they are in school full time, it's hard to find a job that accomodates their school schedule. I'm not sure what job would hire from 9am-245pm, know what I mean? It also then starts me wondering-what about when they are sick? I think I'll be home until they are both old enough to be home on their own, or I can find something with a flexible schedule.
ReplyDeleteDoing the home daycare was a perfect balance of income, something I enjoy, and being home.
I, too, realize I'm in the minority-esp. as I see more and more friends with nannies and their children in care 730-6pm. They made a choice suitable or necessary for them. We made ours for us. Simple as that.
I, too, believe this time goes by so fast. I can attest to it, with an almost 12 year old! I wouldn't trade the time I've had at home-even on the days when I question my worth and value.