[shy_bear]

Ok, everyone is going to think I am going off my rocker, b/c my family does!!
My girls are 8 and 5. I have stayed home with them since our oldest was placed in my arms. Well now that they are both in school I am looking to go back to work. I have an interview on Monday morning. I am already talking myself out of going. I hate the thought of them having to go to the after school program. I would be working 8:30 to 5:30. My youngest has morning kindergarten so she would be there basically all day. They would not be able to continue in all the activities that they are in right now; time would just not allow it. So that adds a whole different layer of guilt. My family keeps making fun of me. That they are not baby's...but they are my baby's. We could really use the money... and even though I volunteer at the school and am very active with Girl Scouts I am finding that I am bored a lot during the day. What do I do??????????

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by shy_bear

Ok, everyone is going to think I am going off my rocker, b/c my family does!!
My girls are 8 and 5. I have stayed home with them since our oldest was placed in my arms. Well now that they are both in school I am looking to go back to work. I have an interview on Monday morning. I am already talking myself out of going. I hate the thought of them having to go to the after school program. I would be working 8:30 to 5:30. My youngest has morning kindergarten so she would be there basically all day. They would not be able to continue in all the activities that they are in right now; time would just not allow it. So that adds a whole different layer of guilt. My family keeps making fun of me. That they are not baby's...but they are my baby's. We could really use the money... and even though I volunteer at the school and am very active with Girl Scouts I am finding that I am bored a lot during the day. What do I do??????????

I'm a single mom-so staying home wasn't an option. Kids are resiliant. They thrive if they are in good, positive, happy environments. If you find a great afterschool program that is a good match for your kids, they will do well. Don't feel guilty for doing something for yourself. It's good to work and be around other grown ups. I have a sister in law who stays home full time with her boys (ages 1, 4, and 6). I worry that if something ever happened to my brother it would be an awful struggle for her to find a job after being out of work for so many years.
Also, you have an opportunity to show your daughters how rewarding a good job can be. They'll grow up knowing you can be a Mommy & have a job outside the house and everything still turns out fine.

[beth9927]

How about finding a job at their school? That way you'd still be off when they are off, etc. Just a thought.

Beth9927

[oleson1]

You might be surprised -- when I went back to work, my kids LOVED the after school program they were involved in. (It almost hurt my feelings...). When I switched to a PT job, they were disappointed some days that they had to miss out on the fun activities that the program provided.

[shy_bear]

I have looked at the school district site to see if they had any openings. I am not qualified for anything listed. I have had a hard time even finding places that want to interview me since it has over 8 years since I have last held a job.
I am also having a hard time with how much childcare costs. I would be spending $600 a month for them to stay at the after school program. I know that is not too much; my sister pays A LOT for her infant son to go to daycare. It seems like after I pay for childcare, extra gas for the car, clothes, etc not much is left over!!!

[ourdreamcametru]

Just a couple of thoughts. I am a stay at home mom to three, when we need extra money I keep kids at home. I only keep them during the school year so that I have my summers free to do things with my kids. You can make good money doing this and you are there for you kids. My mother lives close by so she will fill in for me if I want to go on a field trip or other school activity with my kids. If you want more information on how I work, what I charge etc, feel free to PM me!
Kelley