During my maternity leave, I discovered two things: One, I’ll miss my kids when I go back to work. Two, there is no way I could be a stay-at-home mom.
Don’t those two emotions conflict? Yeah, I guess they do. But as much as I love my kids, as much as I want to be the one who feeds them and plays with them everyday, the reality is Mommy has to go to work. With half-pay during my three-month leave, we had to dig deep into our savings (Thank goodness I purposefully saved a bundle before I went on leave just for that reason).
I don’t see how we could manage with just one income. True, we’d save a boatload of money by not worrying about childcare, but still. With the way the economy is, and the price of everything skyrocketing, I like the idea of a two-income family, if for no other reason than to make me feel more secure about being able to provide for my kids.
But historically, haven’t black women always worked outside the home? Isn’t this a cultural thing? Isn’t this just what we (black women) do? Give our all in all areas of our lives?
Truthfully, I didn’t even know being a stay-at-home mom was an option. When I found out I was pregnant with my son, I told my boss and she asked if I was planning to come back to work after he was born. I looked at her with a confused look on my face. “Why wouldn’t I come back?” I thought to myself.
Then I realized. Some women (who are fortunate enough to have the means financially) say Adios to the working world once their children are born. I’ve never even considered it. I didn’t know I could. (Why didn’t anyone tell me?!)
If my husband made enough money to support us (and keep us in the lifestyle we’re accustomed to ““ ahem), then I probably would stay home, at least for a little while. These early formative years are so important.
What do you think BMWK readers? Should women stay home? Is it better for the kids? Harder on the wallet? Share your experiences.