Are you trying to decide whether to be a stay-at-home parent or not? Knowing the different pros and cons of being a stay-at-home parent might help you make an informed decision on the matter.
Baby Center shared some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a stay-at-home parent. Learn whether this type of parenting and working can work for your priorities.
Advantages of being a stay-at-home parent:
1. Less stress for the kids.
One of the advantages of being a stay-at-home parent is the reduced amount of stress for the kids. Baby Center shared that kids who spent most of their days in daycare had greater "levels of stress" and increased aggression as compared to children who were taken care of at home. These were findings taken from two "groundbreaking studies" from the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
2. More control for the parent.
Letting day care centers or nannies be in charge of your kids' daily life limits your level of control over your children's learning and development. Stay-at-home parents have more control over the child's daily activities, supervision and nurturing.
3. Lower cost.
"For some families, it's actually less expensive for one parent to stay home than it would be to pay for childcare," Baby Center shares. Stay-at-home parents also have the option to work and earn at home.
Disadvantages of being a stay-at-home parent:
1. Less socialization for the parent.
Being a stay-at-home parent means having less socialization with other adults. "If you're accustomed to the camaraderie and stimulation of being surrounded by other adults at work, the change of pace can lead to feelings of depression," Baby Center shares.
2. Loss of identity for the parent.
Parents who are dedicated and passionate about their careers might feel a loss of identity by becoming stay-at-home parents. Stay-at-home parents can prevent this depressing feeling by channelling their passion toward parenting, hobbies and even work-from-home jobs.
3. Less socialization opportunities for children.
One of the biggest disadvantages of not sending kids to daycare centers is the lack of socialization with other children. "Socialization techniques learned during early play and daycare experiences - sharing, taking turns, forming friendships, playing well with others, problem solving, etc. -- form the foundation for later relationships with family members, friends and co-workers," Horizon Education Centers explains.
