I'm starting to wish I could be a stay at home parent.....

[chody47]

The older DD gets, the more I'm realising how quickly she is growing up (I know everyone says it, but I didn't ever realise what they meant until now). I'm starting to wish more and more that I could be a stay at home parent. Financially, it's not possible for us, but I really wish it was. When DD was first born I couldn't wait to go back to work to be in adult company and to do my 'important' job. I now have a better understanding of what, to me, the most important job is, and it's not the one I get paid for.

I know there are advantages, especially in the fact that I feel I am being a good role model for DD and I feel that we will be able to offer her more opportunities, but it doesn't hurt to wish, does it?

[onthefly]

It's a hard situation to be in. Have a think. Maybe there are some changes you could make to do it - or at least spend more time on that 'important' job.

[Kazzo]

Hugs Chody.

I am about to start working again, only 3 days a week and while I was very excited when I got the job, the closer my start date gets the more that excitment is dwindling.

[Teeki]

Big big hugs Chody I've spent most of today in tears over my stupid... I mean important... job. I didn't like it before DD, and now it's destroying me. I feel completely ruined by it.

I'm in the same situation as you though, I need to earn at least some money for us to get by. I'm now thinking though that I don't need as much as this job gets me, and so I'm looking at other, easier, jobs. Is there a way you could maybe work fewer hours, do job share or something? Or is there another type of job that might suit you better?

More I hope something can work out to make things easier for you.

Sent from my GT-P7510

[Liviam]

Massive It is so very very hard for us to leave our little ones to go to our paid employment. It breaks my heart some days but like you I need to work as well.

It really does help us appreciate the time we have with them. I make sure that if I'm home they get my attention and I'm really here not just sitting in the same room as them.

[nothing2lose]

I was in the same position as you guys. It sucked. If there is a positive now though, my hard work paid off.

I only have to work three days a week and still make good money because I have worked my way "up".

There is a silver lining, hard as it is

[OceanPrincess]

I hear you chody. It is really tough.

If I weren't having another bub, I'd be making some changes. Your priorities change as your life changes... things that seemed important become not so important.

I hope you can work things out

[MrsFabuloso]

Hugs hun. I hope you can sort something out so you can be with your little one more.

There does really need to be a balance and it is different for everyone. Some parents enjoy working full time, some love being full time at home. I would actually love to go to work a few days a week. DH and I made the huge decision to leave Sydney and come out to a remote community for his work, so I didn't have to work anymore and I could be a SAHM, and we could have baby #3. I have found it really challenging to be home full time. I always wanted to be home full time and it's really tough on me trying to balance it. After 2yrs, I would like to be working part time. Definitely not full time, or probably even any more than 2 days a week. But a little bit of time to be someone other than mum would be great. To use my brain, to be with adults, to mix it up a little bit!

[chody47]

Thanks for the advice and support everyone. I think I'm enjoying my holidays at home with DD too much. Even in the week I've been home, i've seen soooo many changes in her and new skills learnt, it makes me wish I could see this all the time. Oh well......hopefully I wont have to work quite so much after #2