Friday, May 4, 2012

Being Able to "Afford" Staying Home

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how I am able to afford to stay home with my children. I am a single mom, but hear often how two parent households are unable to become a single-earner household. How can I do it, but they cannot?

I usually end that thought with, "Because God works things out," and that is true. I've never been late with a bill (unless I forgot about it, or thought I already paid it!) and my kids have never really gone without. I mean, they don't get everything they want, but if they want to do a sport or activity, I am able to make it happen. God provides for us, there's no doubt about that. But should I assume God doesn't provide for the others who "want" to stay home?

I say "want" because the reality is that some moms say that, but they don't really mean it. They "wish" they could, but they "just can't financially swing it." Truth is, they don't know what they would do with themselves (or their child) if they were "stuck" home all day with them. But that's a whole 'nuther topic for another day!

So how can I afford to stay home with my kids? Well, obviously I make money. It is not a lot. But it is enough. It seems to expand...because I don't drink Starbucks, get my toenails done, get my hair cut, go to the dentist, go to the doctor, take vacations, buy work clothes, or eat at expensive restaurants. These are the things I've noticed that parents from two-earner families do. That's great for them. But if that is you, don't come up to me and explain why you can't afford to stay home with your child...while you judge my toenails, homemade haircut, missing teeth, and worn out clothes! We all can "afford" what's important to us. I just hope that you realize that before your kids are grown and all you have left is fancy nails and vacation pics!

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