I've been thinking about your plans to get a job for a few days now, and wondering if my thoughts on this would be any use. Here goes: If you love being a stay at home mom, then don't give it up just to do a 180. We only have one chance to raise our kids, and the time is precious. Now, I work half-time becuase I must to make ends meet, but I would love to stay home full time with S2 - especially since it now looks like there won't be any more children for me... Anyway, from reading your thread I get that your children are everything to you, and while I support you seeking more balance, I think there is another way besides putting the kids in daycare. I think we talk about GAL as get-a-job becuase most people on this list are working adults, but that isn't really the intention. Certainly, work would give you more support and more financial stability in some ways, and I'm not trying to overlook that. I just wanted to be a small voice letting you know it is okay to love staying home with your kids. You can still get a life by: 1. working part time or in the evenings (tricky because it takes away from family time, but possible.) 2. joining a mom's group with activities that are age appropriate for your kids. If you are near any metropolitan area there are also loads of "mommy's night out" groups. You are internet savvy if you are here - so take a look around. 3. volunteering in some small way that would include your kids - say doing childcare at church two sundays a month (?)
PLease don't think I am discouraging you if you are sure you want to work - do what you think is best. Also, I remember reading a study in grad school where they found that children did equally well in or out of daycare, if the parents felt good about the choice to put the kids in daycare. The children that didn't do as well had parents who were unsure or feeling bad about using daycare. Where do you fall in this mix? Hang in there - it looks like things are okay for you right now. Just know that I am reading your thread and wishing you the best. erin
