well, I am a SAHD by default. I was laid off last may and have not been able to find meaningful employment since. I have 2 older kids (9 and 12), and it’s been working out pretty okay. I help’em with homework, do all the house duties, and keep the home fires burning. Wife’s less stressed, kids are less stressed. One child has a learning disability so having extra time to spend with her has been especially valuable. Don’t get me wrong, I’d go back to work in a minute for the right job. I like to work in my chosen field (telecom…). But being a SAHD isn’t half bad.
I think it’s a great idea, Clint. I hope that either I or my (hypothetical) future husband will be able to stay home with our kids, too.
Clint, another “go for it” from this camp.
Re: Insurance ~ I’m another self-employed SAHM who uses Golden Rule. You set up a medical savings account & deposit up to 80% of your deductible in it. I write checks out of that to cover medical expenses. Tax-free !!! Woo-hoo !!! It’s working out great; I even paid for my daughter’s braces with it.
One income? Yeah, it can be scary. I’m a single mom, I don’t get any child support; I’m raising a son and a daughter, and right now temporarily helping out my daughter’s boyfriend. You will make it if you have the determination!
Yay Clint !!!
I think doing what’s best for the family is a great idea, Clint. My caution would be based on what I see happening with my sister and brother-in-law with him staying home with the kids (one in Grade 2, the othe in pre-school) - no housework done, he pesters her at work all the time (calling 20 or so times a day), and he hands the kids over to her the minute she comes in the door and all weekend. In this situation, my sister not only gets to work 40+ hours a week while her husband sleeps in, but she gets to do all the other household things that her husband should be handling while he’s at home (without kids, mind you) all day. There is A LOT of resentment building up over there, let me tell you.
I would say make sure you and your wife have a long discussion about who is going to do what if you do stay at home. Make sure both of you air your expectations, and keep checking in with each other so no resentments fester.
Being a SAHD is quite literally my dream. I’d LOVE to do that. If we had enough dough, I’m in big time.