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The Ability
to Influence and Bond With Your Children - The first few years of your child's
life are fundamental to their personality formation as well as their view of life
and the world around them. Your child will be influenced tremendously
by you, and you have the ability to control the interaction as well as
the learning process. In a day-care situation you have no
control over what they are learning or the quality of the experience
for them. Your continual
attention will also provide the opportunity to create strong bonds
with your child - something which is much more difficult when you
interact with them for only limited periods.
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Lower
Stress/Improved Quality of Life - Working full-time with kids
is the equivalent of having two jobs, which contributes
significantly to stress. On the other hand, the stress reduction
that comes with staying home provides the time and opportunity for good
physical and mental health. Your spouse will benefit as well,
having the peace of mind that you are taking care of the home front,
leaving him less stressed as well, and freer to focus on his own job
responsibilities.
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Increased
Time - You don't have to worry so much about whether you are
spending "quality time" with your children. Children
don't understand the concept of quality time - they just want and need
a lot of time and attention. Having unlimited
time with them automatically assures that they are getting both the
quality and quantity of your time that they need.
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No
Child Care Worries or Costs - You will not have to worry or feel guilty
about how your child is being cared for. Additionally, you do
not have the costs of child care to deal with. Often the cost of
child-care, combined with additional taxes and work-related expenses
makes work a nearly fruitless option!
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You
are Your Own Boss - At home you have the freedom to plan your own
schedule, as well as that of your children.
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Opportunities
for Personal Growth - You have time and freedom to express your
own creativity and to pursue hobbies and interests. You can
read some good books, start a garden, learn to play an instrument, or
write a novel. Let's not forget the ability to start your own
business at home!
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Joy
in Parenting - Parenting is a very joyful experience. Many
working mothers miss out on many of the most wonderful experiences of
child-rearing. These moments include sharing intimate moments
with your child, experiencing their joys and frustrations, playing with your child, teaching your child something
new, and witnessing those first moments when they smile, laugh, walk,
utter their first word, etc.
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Less
Material Focus - Full-time parenting allows you to focus on people
and to concentrate on nurturing friendships and family relationships,
including your marriage. The focus moves away from the acquisition of
material items and toward unity within the family.
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Learning
Responsibility - The responsibility of being a parent often leads
full-time mothers to take on more responsibilities with their extra
time. Many will have the opportunity to get involved in
parenting or school organizations, local not-for-profits, or become
politically active.
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Ability
to be there when Most Needed - You have the ability to be with your
kids when they need you the most, such as when they are sick,
injured, or unhappy.
Ten Reasons to Stay Home
with your Children