I don’t think anyone else in the whole world can tell YOU whether it’s healthier to be a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. Some women need a little break from their kids and feel rejuvenated after adult company and conversation and are able to give better attention to their kids when they come home. Others feel overwhelmed with trying to balance everything.
On the other hand, staying at home all day can send some women into depression, especially in the long winter months when it’s hard to get out with the kids. Trying to entertain children all day can be a real challenge unless you’re a really creative type of person.
What are your options for daycare? How many hours do you work? Here in EY, sending a 2yo to gan is very common, for sure by 3, but often the lady has the next kid already in the house so if she’s waiting until the child goes to gan before going out to work then she’s now waiting for the next kid for the same thing. This can be never-ending and keep the woman home for many years. On the other hand, sending a child out to daycare until 4 p.m. can be hard for the kid and the mother – how much time does she see her child and participate in his/her chinuch? Who is taking care of her child during those many hours a day?
These are all questions and answers that only you know for your situation. I would make a list of pros and a list of cons and see where things stand for you and your family. I know of a woman who has 1yo triplets and she brings them to the daycare center at 7 a.m. and does not pick them up until 4 p.m. They are in bed and asleep by 8-8:30. I don’t think I could only spend 4 hours with my babies, but on the other hand, taking care of triplet babies 24/7 could really send me over the edge, it’s very personal.
Hatzlacha in coming up with the right balance!