My Decision to be a Stay-at-Home Mom
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In just five months I will be having my baby and there are so many things that I have been thinking about. I have so many decisions to pray about, and so many options to choose from. After talking with my husband, praying about it, and just really thinking about all my options, I came to the decision that I am going to be a stay-at-home mom.
Before I go into my reasons why I want to be a stay-at-home mom, I do want to say that I see nothing wrong with moms who do go to work. This was a personal decision that I made because I think it is best for me and my family. If you are a working mom, good for you! Every family is different.
Why I Decided to be a Stay-at-Home Mom
I have always had it in my mind to be a stay-at-home mom, but with the economy the way it is, and with my husband being lower ranking in the military, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out. The area we live in does not have many jobs anyways, so I have been babysitting for different families over the past year that we have lived here.
I finally talked to Jon about it and told him that it had always been on my heart to be a stay-at-home mom and he is willing to help me achieve that. I am sure we will be fine, but if need be he has already offered to get a second job. It makes me so glad he understands and that we are in agreement!
When I was younger, my mom was a stay-at-home mom for a long time, but my dad was laid off from his job and eventually it was necessary for my mom to go back to work. I am not upset at all that she did because she did what she could for our family, but I also wish she could have stayed home. I missed her, and I think my brothers did too. So that did have a small influence on my decision.
I want to be there for my children, and be home with them, and be able to spend as much time with them as I can. They grow up so fast you know! I also want to be home to teach them things, like how to read and write, how to cook, and how to have manners! I am also thinking about homeschooling, and that is another opportunity I will have as a stay-at-home mom.
I am excited to see what God will do as my children grow up, and I know God will provide because this is what he wants me to do!
What about YOU? Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
You go girl! Proud of you for saying this on your blog!
You will not regret your decision. Even in the struggles or financial times that may not be as easy. God will provide especially when you are being obedient to him.
Your child will only be 1 once and I understand the desire not to miss any of those moments…Congratulations in your decision and praying God's strength and wisdom over you!
Hi,
Visiting from SITS!
I'm a stay at home mommy too. That's so great that you and your hubby are in agreement. Both my husband and I have very fond memories of being at home with our own mamas.
I worked for just a very short amount of time (part time about 20 hours a week) to have benefits to support our second pregnancy. It really wasn't much at all and much of it was in the early morning hours before my eldest was even awake, but he was SO happy when I was back at home full time.
There's just nothing like your own mama!
Congrats on your expectant new addition!
visiting from SITS!
I think that's great. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and I was always so glad that she was there after school. Good luck with your decision! God will be with you and it will be okay đ
That's awesome that you'll be able to do what you've always felt you should do. I've always wanted nothing more than to be a wife and momma, so I'm sure I may end up staying home as well; but the decision isn't final yet. We're still praying and talking about it just to ensure that we're both comfortable with my decision primarily because without my job our monthly income will go down quite a bit and that's hard to grasp right now.
Great decision. I did it too and would not change it for the world. Kathi ps I do substitute teach once a week, but loved all the years I was a full time mommy.
Sometimes it takes sacrifices to be able to stay at home but for our family it is more than worth it! You will love it!!!
We made the same decision… yes, we make some sacrifices but (for us) it is worth it. Congrats on your decision.
I won't lie and say being a SAHM was an easy transition for me but I think that was just our circumstances. We had 2 sets of twins within 2 years and it rocked my world!! I couldn't see straight for like the first year!!
But now that the kids are a little bit older, it is becoming more enjoyable. I realize that I've been afforded a wonderful opportunity to be home with my kids and when things stress me out, I remind myself that they'll only be this little once and it's an experience to cherish!
Found you through SITS!
Hi Kathryn! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and leaving a sweet comment! It always makes me smile big to see another Christian military wife..not many of us out there. My hubby actually just got out of the Army after 9 yrs. I loved being a military wife, I was always so porud of him and I believe in my heart I always will be a military wife! A soldier is a soldier for life! You guys make such a beautiful couple! Yeah…so you too have a beautiful belly?!?!? How exciting! Will you find out the sex of the baby? We tried for 3 yrs to concieve and God is giving us this miracle baby! I am loving it!!!
About your post….I am totally where you are. We knew from the beginning that once we had our kids I'd be a stay at home mom..unless of course money was tight and I needed to help out. God has been so good to us and I haven't worked since I got married a lil over 5 yrs ago! I am happy to know that your baby will have a mommy who will be by it's side every day as well. I am also thinking about homeschooling! I loved school growing up and know that God would give me the wisdom and strength to educate our kids. You sound very mature for your age:D I've dediced to follow your blog and I hope we can get to know each other a little more! I also have facebook so we can connect there too! Glad to "meet" you my new friend! Have a beautiful and blessed day<3
Hugs from Florida,
Susan
It's me again hahah! Just read you "about me" section and realized you had a miscarriage. Even though I've never had a miscarriage I know the pain you go through when you long for a baby so much and have nothing left to do but pray and wait patiently trusting that God will work a miracle. We did this for 3 long yrs but the journey was worth it because we sought God like never before! So happy for you guys! You also have the same due date that a friend of mine has:D Can't wait to find out what you're having!!!
Susan
What a glorious blessing that you will be able to stay home! It is hard work either way, but I think it is always a blessing when you are able to be there for every little new thing your sweet baby does. I worked with my first two but I was able to stay home with my third. It was definitely a change for me but it was well worth it.
May the Lord bless your decision and may the rest of your pregnancy go smoothly, without any complications whatsoever. I will be praying for you, my friend.
Teresa <><
I'm new to your blog and I just had to stop by and say hi, and tell you that being a SAHM is great — but The Husband and I were concerned about $$ also, and honestly, there were times when, on paper, the numbers didn't work. But it always worked out, and I think that's because this is where I'm supposed to be for such a time as this — as long as that time is. đ Best wishes to you! Great post!
I'm glad you're getting to do what works for you, and what you want! That's the best!
I still struggle with decision of stay home don't get me wrong I love it but unlike you my parents worked 2 or 3 jobs and I was raised mainly by grandparents it was hard so I guess you can say I grew up thinking working was a must. I however am glad I have had the opportunity to stay home it's given me a different out look on parenting. You will definitely enjoy it!
I'm excited for you! I agree, it's a personal decision that every family has to make for themselves. You're getting ready to take on one of the most rewarding jobs out there, though.:) Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
Have you ever thought of doing a stay at home job? I have something that you might be interested.
Shane Coponen
1-800-896-6977
I just came upon your blog and am enjoying it. I'm an Army wife of almost 13 years and pregnant with baby #5. I can tell you that I've been blessed to be a SAHM (and homeschooling mom) and not once have I regretted it! My oldest daughter died when she was 2 from leukemia and I can promise you that I am so thankful that GOD led me to be at home with her, because there would be a lifetime full of regrets otherwise.
I can say I worked for 6 months with my 2nd child and although I enjoyed my job, what I KNEW I was missing out on, no amount of money or job enjoyment was worth it.
Hey girl đ We can encourage each other. I was homeschooled my entire life, loved it, and will be starting the process myself this fall.
Congrats on being a stay at home Mommy! It can be a difficult decision to stand by at times, but I believe God will honor your decision to be a Keeper at Home and make a way even when the going gets tough. May God bless you through these wonderful (though often trying) times of mothering young children! I also have a blog about Keeping the Home and being a Titus 2 woman, come check me out if you ever get a chance between diaper changings! đ
Good for you! And don't worry it is possible to stay at home. My husband was an A1C when we had our first child. We had student loans to pay as well as other everyday bills. I quit working when my daughter was born and haven't looked back since. That was 13 years ago and we have added 2 more children. I am always complemented on how well behaved my children are, it's because I am home. No sitter loves your kids like you do. Enjoy motherhood
Hopping over from Raising Homemakers…you will not regret this! You can never get the these little years back and it is a blessing to be a part of them! And you can make it work! I've stayed at home since the start and the first year our income was a mere $13,000 total!!! (we were both students, too, though) We didn't even top $20,000/year until the year before last. So it's totally doable and even though many people would think that small of an income is "suffocating", it's not really, and quite frankly I'm happy to show my children that we don't need a lot of money to be happy. đ