Have you changed from double income to single?

[tinaluis]

DH and I did it but it was DH who left his job. When we decided to have Baby #3 we decided that he would stay home full time because daycare, being away from the kids, the juggle when one (or all of them) was sick, the 9-11 hour workdays for an unappreciative employer, etc. were taking a serious toll on all of us. We paid off the small balance on our credit card, tried to fortify our savings as much as possible and DH came home for good 4 weeks before DD#3 was born in 2001. It wasn't as tough as I thought it would be and it gives me incredible peace of mind to know that our DDs are with him as opposed to being in daycare. He is the one to drop them off and pick them up from school, take them to dr. appointments, dentist, etc. Money is a little tight sometimes but it's so worth it to us to do things this way. Fortunately, we already had a house before our DDs were born so we didn't have to worry about saving up for a downpayment, but we do have a pretty substantial mortgage ($1437) compared to our income (just over $40,000). He considered trying to get some part-time work but our youngest DD will start half-day Kindergarten next year so we're probably going to wait until that's over and she's in school for a full-day. It can be done, but it takes a determined commitment from both parents. Good luck to your friend!

 

[happybratpack]

Thank you guys for all the advice...I'm actually going to give her a link to the thread here. I know this is something she really wants to do but it will be a major lifestyle change, they're in their late 30s and have always been those people who could pretty much do anything because they had the money.

Thanks again

 

[Jakesmom504]

We couldn't afford for me to stay home but also couldn't afford babysitting for my DS. I have always wanted to be able to stay home with him, so my only option was to work weekends. Luckily I have a job that will allow me to do this. I HATE having to go to work when everyone else is out playing and I don't spend much time with my DH, but for right now this is how it has to be and I don't regret it one bit. I'm not downing daycare, I know it's great for some people but we both feel like, if there was any possible way for me to stay home with my DS than that was the best thing for our family.