To work or stay at home after first child??? | ExpatWoman.com
 

To work or stay at home after first child???

345
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 17:14
it really depends on you and what you want and how you feel. I stayed home with my first and second until both were 2 (with a year's maternity leave in the UK). Really enjoyed that time with them, had my hands full and had no idea how women juggled both work and babies. Had my third child last summer and returned to work after 3 months as mat leave was 45 days. If I had had the option of staying home longer with him, I would have. was very sad leaving the baby when he was so little, and am still struggling with juggling everything although it gets easier every day. I also really enjoy my work and I'm happy when I'm in the office, with grown ups, doing interesting things instead of spending my *whole* day feeding, changing, baby talking, cooking etc. As it's your first, and it sounds like you have a real choice, I would stay stay home until you feel ready to go back, and then start looking for work again. you will find another job, you won't get your baby's first years back.
8
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 13:54
Mumof Moo, sorry if I caused offense. I was referring to my personal experience and history and taking it to inform my choices. I totally understand that every family is different, and more so every woman is differet. in fact, Imorgan I have one or two friends who have chosen to keep working because they just know that being with baby all day would bring an end to their sanity. I guess it is each to their own depending on what works best for your personally and for your family isn't it?
8
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 13:54
Mumof Moo, sorry if I caused offense. I was referring to my personal experience and history and taking it to inform my choices. I totally understand that every family is different, and more so every woman is differet. in fact, Imorgan I have one or two friends who have chosen to keep working because they just know that being with baby all day would bring an end to their sanity. I guess it is each to their own depending on what works best for your personally and for your family isn't it?
33
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 13:07
You will have to decide what is right for your family. I chose to stay home and take the financial hit because I didn't want to miss anything and my husband and I both felt this was right for us. But don't forget to take everything into account. It can sometimes be a bit boring, no matter how much you love being with baby, they do sleep a lot! And you have to make more effort to find adult conversation! If I was making the decision again I would still choose to stay home, but I don't think it will affect your relationship with your child in the long run. You can make time to be a loving family on the weekend.
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 12:59
If you want to stay at home then stay at home. I work and i have "strangers" raise my child like millions of other mums. My daughter loves me, she will have our values as that is what we will teach her and our relationship will be what I make it Just because you are not close with your mum and she had to work, does not mean that all working mums are not close with thier kids. Thats utter rubbish
6
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 12:17
Definitely stay at home if you can financially. There will come a point when you will want to return ( probably when their tantrums kick in) :-) the years fly by way too quick. I have done some training in this area and it would seem children are more secure and confident when they have one main carer. Obviously it can't always be possible for a parent in some situations. If your baby does go to another carer other than you, it's really important that they have one person who will mainly look after them in that setting. It will make you feel more confident too knowing that are happy. HTH X
 
 

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