Why I Do What I Do.

Christine has challenged all us SAHMs to share our story, so I bit!

Ten years ago, I was pregnant with our son. My husband and I decided that I would continue to work. After all, he was a medical assistant and there was no way we could make it on his salary. Also, I was a daycare kid and I turned out fine. I truly did picture myself working full time after I had my kids.

I gave birth to our son, had my 6 weeks maternity leave and then school was out for the summer. I had a total of 3 months with my child before I had to return to work. Then, it was time, I took him daily to his daycare. I cried every morning when I dropped him off. I got later and later to work every day.

I worked for 2 years, crying every morning and having a HUGE melt-down every Sunday night, thinking about leaving my baby for another week. One day, I told my husband, "I don't understand why I drop my baby off for someone to take care of while I spend the day taking care of other people's kids." We finally decided to tighten the purse strings for me to quit and stay home with our son.

I actually did not quite completly (well, I did quit that job, but worked part-time for another). I stayed home, minus about 12 hours a week, for 2 years. Then, the part-time job I was doing offered me an opportunity I could not pass up (or so I thought). I took the position which allowed me to work from home and do some travelling - on which my son could accompany me. I did that position for 1 year...until my son started kindergarten and my husband landed a fantastic job that required him to travel. If I was travelling and my husband was travelling and my son had to be in school (this was before I was pro-homeschooling - but that's a different post all together), how would that all work? So, I quit again.

I will say that when my son was going to public school, I did work part-time, but I did not go in until after I took him to school and I was off in order to go pick him up.

I guess I have never truly been a SAHM, although I do consider myself one. I have, for the most part, always worked part-time. I do not believe that you cannot have a job and kids. I believe that a mom can work and be at home with the kids. Work from home or work while the kids are in school, but be there for your kids when they need you.

I now have 2 kids. My son is now 9 and my daughter is almost 2. I also have a part-time job. I work 2 days a week for a great photographer in town. We work in her house, we take our kids to work - it is the best of both worlds!

I think that each woman has to make this decision for herself and her family. I don't think there is any right or wrong. Some families need 2 jobs, some THINK they need 2 jobs. Some women would not enjoy staying at home and therefore, I believe, not benefit their children. Some women love the thought of staying at home and therefore should!

I say, pray about it, discuss it fully with your family and make the necessary decision!