[Steph-Jason]

I've noticed that alot of the moms on this forum choose to stay at home after their baby comes. I have a question for all of you: did you do anything to suplement your income? I know it's a personal question but if you could just give me some ideas I'd greatly appreciate it. DH & I have discussed it & we've both agreed it would be great if I could stay home once our baby is here. It's not that we have to worry about childcare (my MIL doesn't work so she'd be available) it's just that with everything we've been through to have a child I'm not going to want to leave him/her & work for 8+ hours per day. I've thought about doing one of those at home businesses but didn't know much about any of those. Any thoughts?

[startedover]

What we did was started getting use to one income before the baby came. Then it won't be such a shock.

[Archive]

I started an in-home child care, but I had up to 10 children at a time including mine and worked 12 hours a day.---Not much of a cutback, but I did get to be with my children. Eventually I went to part time. Then 3 days a wk and 5 yr. after staying home quit and became full time SAHM.

Four yrs. after that I began painting personalized Christmas ornaments and began a small business. It has been great, but a lot of work and pay was just so-so.

Now that everyone has been in school for a yr. I am going back to school and back to work.

I hope you find what works for you.

[momtosami]

We were the same way, it took us forever to be parents and I wanted to stay home once she came home and that was in 2004. I quit work in July 2003 and I will say we are not rich by no means and the way we have done it is by pinching pennies. I don't buy for myself like I use to and for our daughter I shop at consignment sales and end of season sales for the next year's clothes. I don't buy a lot of name brand stuff unless it is defnitely on sale or end of season stuff and I never buy anything full price any more. She even goes to preschool 3 day's a week, she started when she was 3, she came home at 14 momths old.

Now when #2 comes our daughter will be out of preschool and going to Kindergarten so there will be no childcare payments there but things are going to be REALLY tight so I'll have to cut back more but it is so worth it, there is nothing I need that is more important than being at home with my kids

[tanmansmom]

I am lucky enough to be a SAHM with TJ. I was a teacher, so I guess cutting out my salary didn't hurt us too badly Anyway, right now I don't need to supplement our income, but my husband owns his own business so one never knows what the future holds. I have advised my friends and I will do the same if and when I need to, but in order to be home with TJ, I would take in one or two other children. I would only take kids of teachers and work the school calendar. That way you still get lots of breaks including the summer and two weeks at Christmas. If it is not a contract day for the teacher, it is not a work day for you. One of my friends did that only she took care of several children. Her husband was a teacher so they always had their breaks together.

[powderpiggy]

I am not a SAHM. I have a full time job (though don't think I have quite put a full week in since returning from matenity leave 4 months ago). But I am very interested in this post since I would LOVE to stay home with our DS. So far...I mostly dream of winning the lottery.

[Ann07]

I am looking for a part time job. I am a graduate student and if I could work just two days a week that would be the best

We will see what the future holds! I also don't buy anything for myself, however my children are a little spoiled....I am trying to cut back.

[dragonfly1234]

I am also a stay at home mom with my adorable kids(my youngest is 3 and my oldest is almost 8....yikes). But with that being said we had to do major cut backs when I decided that I wanted to stay home with my children. I work 4 hours a week at my previous job just to keep me visable and in the loop.

All I can say.....we have cut back alot so that I can stay home with my kids and it is not easy but I have loved every moment with them both.

I wish you the best on your decision. It is so up to each person what is right for you! There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You do what is right for you and your family!!

[taurusgal29]

I know I've posted this before when I question like this was posed, but I do mystery shopping on the side for some extra cash (not a whole lot, but hey--every little bit counts!)...if anyone wants some info, send me a PM and I'll steer you in the right direction...
Sarah