We have 3 kids all under 5 years of age. My wife and I do(have done) the stay at home thing 100% her only, 50/50, 20/80, 75/25, whatever it takes. Our household income was never big but we are willing to take a drop anyway.
We have a friend baby sit a partial day, on average, once a week, more if needed. The two older boys have been going to preschool one day or two half days a week for a few years. We waited until they wanted to go and understood where they were at and what they were doing there before enrolling them. My wife brings up putting the baby in day care on a similar schedule but I won’t agree until he has a concept of what is happening and shows an interest in doing what his big brothers are doing by going to school.
When it is obvious that I am taking care of the kids at home in view of the neighbors and in public places,which is often, I occasionally feel twinges of a stigma. Most often I am confident in what we are doing as a family. Many people get a kick out of seeing me and my boys out taking care of business or doing the rounds of museums, libraries, community center craft sessions etc. We meet so many good people.
I have all boys so maybe that makes my part easier than if we had both genders. I was also raised by a single dad from the age of ten, when my mother died so there is a personal precedent for my part.I never enjoyed a clock in clock out job and finally escaped about 10 years ago , hopefully for good. My wife is grateful that she isn’t isolated with the kids all the time and can keep her career alive, albeit on a part time basis for now. My wife’s parents have started college funds so that relieves some worry too.
