Stay at home parents

[jennifer_maew]

My husband and I do not have children yet, as we are saving up our financial resources for the time being. However, when we do see it in our best interests to bring a child in to this world, he wants me to go straight back to work after several months. I understand his money point of view, but talking with several other parents (men and women), raising a child seems to be a full-time job within itself. I am not saying I don't want to work, I plan on going when the child hits elementary school. What I need to get him to understand is that, because I am the sole housekeeper while working 40 hrs/WK it's difficult without a child. How do I make him see that it's not worth trying to kill myself over by bringing in less than $20k/yr while trying to raise a child and keep up with house duties? (Keep in mind he makes more than twice as much as I do).

[lace1228]

You need to factor in the cost of child care. Here in Canada the cost of child care is about 700/per month. It also sounds that you wouldn't qualify for subsidized day care either. However it is good for a baby and a young child to get socialized with other children before school. I would look for free play groups and when your ready maybe look into doing some home day care for some money. Or look into a casual part time job because trust me you will need the break. What is maternity leave like in the United States? Here in Canada we get a year off payed.

[jennifer_maew]

In the U.S., you only get paid maternity leave if your company will pay you for it, it is not required for them to pay you. Also, I won't want the break until they're in elementary school, I took care of my 3 year old cousin for nearly a year, basically nannying for her as her parent, since neither of her parents were never home, and I loved it. Honestly, I know it's a lot of hard work, but I can't see myself being happy doing anything else...the hard part is trying to convince my husband.

[lace1228]

Thank you for best answer. Good luck with everything. :)