Seriously considering a life change

[dynaflow dad]

In the next few weeks I've got a decision to make. To stay or not to stay..... I have a 4 year old son, my daughter is about a month old now. I've been thinking about what I'm gonna do when he goes to school, both of us work, that means before and afterschool. That doesn't sound like much fun for Dominic (my son), what about afterschool sports and the summer time. As you can see, I have some issues to sort through, any advice would be appreciated.

[Weston]

Stay home, if you can afford it.

Think about the time you'll be able to spend with your children if you aren't working. Then again some people aren't fortunate enough to have that choice, but if you do I'd go for it

[thoth187]

Day care cost alone can be a major factor. In our case I was fired from a job. At that point in time we had a bill of $275 for day care every 2 weeks. That on top of transportation cost made it cost effective for me to stay at home.
With a child under 3 your looking at an even higher day care cost depending on your area. ( in our case $325 every 2 weeks would be the cost for our new born + Diaper and formula cost)
It is also difficult to find a good day care center that will really work with your child.
If you can afford it,stay at home and enjoy the time with your children. They will thank you some day.

[eddeeze]

Stay at home!!

It's been 4 months for me and it has been the most amazing experience of my life. I'm not saying it's all fun, but i've enjoyed being with my 4 year old and my one year so much.

If you enjoy being with your kids and don't mind cleaning and doing the wash, this will be a great thing for you and your family.

[hockeydad]

thoth187 said:It is also difficult to find a good day care center that will really work with your child

I agree with thoth on this one. And I currently am a daycare provider. You really got to look around to find a good one. The money is crazy too -although if you find a good one it's money well spent.

If it's possible stay home. Even if it's till the little one is over two or three. That's when some of the benefits of group socialization even out some of daycares negatives.

Welcome to the site by the way.

[andywindsor]

Wonder if a daddydaycare would actually work?