There are many reasons to be a stay-at-home mom that many women consider during pregnancy or maternity leave. It’s a life-changing decision that can be both exciting and scary. Even if you have never thought about it before, you might find yourself feeling drawn to the idea of staying home with your child.
Side note and a question I’ll answer at the end: I boldly asked if he ever wanted children the very first day I met my (now) husband. His answer was my version of “he had me at hello.”
However, leaving your job and becoming a stay-at-home mom is not easy. It can bring up concerns about finances and lifestyle changes. But for many moms, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
In this article, I’ll share my top reasons to be a stay-at-home mom. These reasons are not meant to judge working moms but to help moms who are considering staying home with their children. They also apply to dads or any parent considering staying home with their child.
Some of the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom include spending more time with your child, creating your own schedule, and not having to worry about finding and paying for childcare. Being a stay-at-home mom can also allow you to focus on your family and create a strong bond with your child.
Of course, being a stay-at-home mom is not for everyone, and some challenges come with it. It can be isolating at times, and it’s important to find ways to stay connected with others. It can also be challenging to balance the demands of parenting with the desire for personal time and self-care.
There have been many studies on reasons why some families decide to have one parent stay home. As cited by experts, here are the top ten:
- “To spend more quality time with their children” (W. Bradford Wilcox, sociologist at the University of Virginia)
- “To avoid the high costs of childcare” (Alyssa Johnson-Kurts, senior policy analyst at the Center for American Progress)
- “To be the primary caregiver for their children” (Christin Munsch, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut)
- “To create a more stable and consistent home environment” (Jennifer Baker, assistant professor of sociology at New York University)
- “To reduce stress and increase overall happiness” (Bridgette Brawner, associate professor of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania)
- “To have more flexibility and control over their schedule” (Deborah Carr, professor of sociology at Boston University)
- “To avoid the challenges of balancing work and family life” (Erin Rehel, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Akron)
- “To be able to pursue personal interests or hobbies” (Bianca Frogner, associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine)
- “To avoid the demands and pressures of the workplace” (Suzanne Bianchi, professor of sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles)
- “To be able to provide better care for a child with special needs” (Laura Sherbin, managing director at the Center for Talent Innovation).
Ultimately, the decision to be a stay-at-home mom is a personal one that each family must make for themselves. Hopefully, this article will help you decide what is best for you and your family.
1- Childcare is expensive
Let’s face it, childcare is no joke – it can be a major expense for families with young kids. Between the cost of daycare or babysitters, it’s no wonder why some parents choose to be stay-at-home moms (or dads, for that matter).
Depending on your location, the age of your child, and the type of care needed, the cost of childcare can vary greatly. But regardless of the specifics, one thing is clear – childcare is expensive!
For some families, childcare costs can exceed one parent’s income, making it financially impractical to work outside the home. This is where being a stay-at-home mom can be a huge lifesaver. Without the expense of childcare, families can redirect those funds towards other expenses – or have a little extra cushion in their budget.
But being a stay-at-home mom isn’t just about saving money – it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that your child is being cared for by a trusted and familiar person can make all the difference in the world. And let’s not forget, no more morning commutes or rushing to pick up your child before daycare closes!
Of course, being a stay-at-home mom isn’t without its financial costs. There may be increased utility bills or the need for a larger home. It’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home parent to ensure that it’s the right decision for your family.
The cost of childcare is a major factor for families with young kids. Being a stay-at-home mom can be a practical and financially viable option for some families and provide peace of mind. Don’t forget about the potential financial costs of being a stay-at-home parent.
2- You can always go back to work is another reason to be a stay at home mom
Your child is only little once. You can always go back to work.
Taking time off from work to be with your child doesn’t mean you’re giving up your career forever. Many moms find that taking a break from their careers allows them to come back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. It’s also possible to stay connected to your industry by networking and keeping up with industry trends and developments.
Being a stay-at-home mom can also provide opportunities for personal growth and development. Many moms find that they learn new skills such as time management, organization, and multitasking, which can be beneficial in both their personal and professional lives.
Of course, returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom can be challenging. It’s important to plan and be prepared for the transition. Some moms may need to update their skills or education, while others may need to adjust their career goals.
Ultimately, the decision to become a stay-at-home mom is a personal one that depends on many factors. However, knowing that you can always go back to work can provide peace of mind and decide to stay home with your child a little easier.
3- You get to raise your kiddo, not someone else
Staying home gives you the opportunity to raise your own child. This is a unique and special experience that many working moms miss out on.
When you’re a stay-at-home mom, you get to be there for all the important moments in your child’s life. You get to see their first steps, hear their first words, and be there for all the ups and downs that come with growing up.
Raising your child also allows you to bond with them on a deeper level. You have the time and opportunity to really get to know your child and understand their unique personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
This can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling and the value of this being one of the best reasons to be a stay at home mom is not emphasized enough.
Being a stay-at-home mom also gives your child a strong sense of security and stability. Children thrive on routine and consistency, and when you’re at home with them, you can provide them with a sense of stability that may be lacking if they are in daycare or with a nanny.
Ultimately, the opportunity to raise your own child is a special and rewarding experience that many moms cherish. It’s one of the top reasons many moms become stay-at-home moms.
4- Flexibility
Being at home allows you to create a schedule that works best for you and your family without having to adhere to strict work hours
One of the greatest benefits of being a stay-at-home mom is the flexibility it provides. Unlike traditional jobs, being at home allows you to create a schedule that works best for you and your family. You don’t have to adhere to strict work hours or worry about missing important family events.
For example, if your child has a doctor’s appointment or a school event, you don’t have to worry about requesting time off from work. You can simply adjust your schedule and be there for your child.
Additionally, having a flexible schedule can reduce stress and make life more enjoyable. You can plan outings and activities without worrying about conflicts with work schedules. You can also take breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout.
Overall, the flexibility that comes with being a stay-at-home mom is a significant advantage. It allows you to prioritize your family and create a schedule that works for everyone.
5- You won’t miss the milestones
One of the most rewarding things about being a stay-at-home mom is the ability to witness and be present for your child’s milestones.
From first words to first steps, every milestone is a unique and special moment that you don’t want to miss.
Let’s face it, some of these milestones can be downright comical. I’ll never forget the first time my daughter tried to crawl. She lifted her little butt in the air, wiggled around, and then fell face-first onto the floor. I couldn’t stop laughing as she looked up at me, confused and a little offended. It’s these little moments that make being a stay-at-home mom so special. You get to witness all of the funny, quirky, and sometimes messy moments that make up your child’s life.
And the best part? You get to be there to experience it all firsthand. From their first words to their first steps, being a stay-at-home mom allows you to be present for all the big and small milestones. And even the ones that involve a bit of messiness or embarrassment are memories you’ll cherish forever.
As a stay-at-home mom, you have the freedom to create your schedule and prioritize being there for your child’s big moments. You won’t have to worry about missing out on these milestones because of work commitments or being stuck in traffic during school plays.
Yes, being a stay-at-home mom can be challenging at times, but seeing your child grow and learn in front of your eyes is immeasurable. Moments like these make all the hard work and sacrifice worth it.
6- Reducing stress is one of the best reasons to be a stay at home mom.
Being a stay-at-home mom can reduce stress in several ways.
First, you can avoid the stress of juggling work responsibilities with caring for your children. This can allow you to focus more fully on your family without feeling like you are constantly pulled in different directions.
Second, being at home allows you to create a schedule that works best for you and your family without having to adhere to strict work hours. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for moms with young children who may have unpredictable schedules.
Additionally, being a stay-at-home mom can reduce the stress associated with arranging childcare and worrying about the well-being of your children while you are at work. Instead, you can directly oversee their care and well-being, which can give you peace of mind.
Lastly, studies have shown that stay-at-home moms have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to working moms. This is likely because stay-at-home moms have more control over their daily activities and can prioritize self-care activities like exercise and meditation.
Overall, being a stay-at-home mom can provide a more relaxed lifestyle and greater control over your daily activities, which can reduce stress levels.
7- No work-related expenses
As a stay-at-home mom, you can save money by avoiding various work-related expenses, including:
- Work clothes: Business attire can be costly and add up over time. As a stay-at-home mom, you can stick to comfortable and affordable clothing.
- Commuting costs: Gas, public transportation, and parking fees can add up quickly. As a stay-at-home mom, you can eliminate these expenses.
- Eating out: Finding time to cook meals at home can be tough when you’re busy working. As a stay-at-home mom, you can cook at home more often and save money on eating out.
- Childcare: One of the biggest expenses for working parents is childcare. As a stay-at-home mom, you can save money by not having to pay for daycare or a babysitter.
- Work-related travel: If your job requires travel, the costs can quickly add up. As a stay-at-home mom, you can avoid these expenses altogether.
- Work-related activities: Company parties, happy hours, and other work-related activities can be costly. As a stay-at-home mom, you can skip these events and save money.
- Professional development: Continuing education, training, and conferences can be expensive. As a stay-at-home mom, you can skip these costs unless they directly relate to your personal growth.
- Technology and equipment: Many jobs require the latest technology and equipment, which can be costly. You may not need the latest and greatest devices as a stay-at-home mom.
- Work-related stress relief: Stress relief activities such as massages, gym memberships, and therapy sessions can add up over time. As a stay-at-home mom, you can find stress relief activities that fit your budget.
- Gifts and donations: Work-related gifts and donations can be costly. As a stay-at-home mom, you can reduce these expenses or opt for more affordable options.
8- Opportunity to be more involved in your child’s life
As parents, we all want to be present in our children’s lives and be involved in their growth and development. Being a stay-at-home mom allows you to do just that, with more opportunities to engage in your child’s daily routines, activities, and milestones.
Research has shown that when parents are more involved in their child’s life, the child experiences greater academic success, better social skills, and increased self-esteem. By being there for your child, you can help shape their character, values, and habits. You’ll be able to guide them through their struggles and celebrate their accomplishments, fostering a strong bond between you and your child.
Not only that but being a stay-at-home mom also means that you have more flexibility in your schedule. You can adjust your day to accommodate your child’s needs, attend school events and extracurricular activities, and spend quality time with your family. These experiences will create memories that will last a lifetime and help build a strong foundation for your child’s future.
In short, being a stay-at-home mom gives you the option to be more present, more involved, and more connected with your child’s life. This is a priceless opportunity that can bring immense joy and fulfillment to both you and your child.
9- You’ll have time to enjoy the little things in life
Slowing down, seeing, and absorbing the little things in life you’d miss if you didn’t have the time; this, mama, is priceless.
As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve come to appreciate the little things I can now do, thanks to having more time. One of those things is being able to make a difference in someone’s life by being there for them when they need it most. These small acts of kindness can mean so much, whether it’s taking a meal to a friend in need or just sending a handwritten note to brighten their day.
Another thing I love about being a stay-at-home mom is that I can take a nap in the middle of the day if needed. It’s a simple pleasure, but it can make a big difference in how I feel and how I approach the rest of my day.
Playing in the rain with my daughter and watching her smile as she jumps in the puddles is another moment I cherish. We wouldn’t have been able to do it if I were working full-time.
I also love being able to take the time to stop and smell the flowers. It’s easy to rush through life without noticing the beauty around us, but as a stay-at-home mom, I have the luxury of slowing down and appreciating the world around me.
As my daughter gets older, I’m excited to play more games with her and watch her learn and grow. These are the moments that give meaning to our lives, and I’m grateful to be able to experience them as a stay-at-home mom.
10- More opportunities to create a deeper, more meaningful bond
The connection you have with your baby is intimate and unique. And it’s critical both mentally and emotionally. For both of you.
There are countless benefits of a healthy, solid parent/child bond that include:
- Fostering self-worth and self-esteem
- Strong sense of security for baby
- Modeling intimate relationships
- A parent’s availability to respond to their baby has been proven to affect the child’s social and cognitive development
- Brain cell development through connection
Forming a strong bond with your baby sets them up for long-term success. Their long-term mental health and resilience depend on it.
While being a stay-at-home mom is not required to form a strong bond with your baby, it certainly lends to a substantial reason to choose to be one if you are considering it.
11- No commute- one of the benefits when considering reasons to be a stay at home mom
The hours you get back when you have no commute is something to celebrate all by itself!
And finally, this is what he said
Remember my question at the top? My husband’s answer when I asked on our first date if he wants children was, “I do only if one parent can stay home to raise my children.” This is one of a million reasons I love my husband so much.
I was hoping he’d let me sign up for the position. He did, and I’ve never looked back! 🥰
