Stay at Home Dad? or daycare?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Hi all! Sorry I've been so absent, but life is busy. It seems like the only time I can relax is when I'm at work.
Ross & Lilly are now 4 months old! I can't believe it! They are doing great and are such a joy! Lots of toothless grins and giggles at our house!
Last Monday was the first day of daycare. I dreaded it so much (and still do). When we went for a visit last Friday to get a tour and meet the teachers it was utter chaos! Most of the kids in their "class" are around 1 year old and walking. Kids were bawling all over the place! They also were exchanging each other's chewy toys and falling all over things. One little guy almost hit his head on a bench when he fell.
The first thing hubby and I said to another is "Are we sure we want them in daycare?"
Here's the situation... I'm the breadwinner in the family. I make about 3X what hubby makes. I also have a career that has very high potential for advancement as my company is very large. Hubby works in a hospital laboratory as a manager over the blood bank department. He could probably go up the chain if he jumped to other hospitals or if the one or two higher managers resign or retire. The cost of daycare for twin infants would eat half of his paycheck.
He is currently thinking about quitting and staying at home, but is so hesitant about it. I guess I don't get it. I know if the roles were reversed I wouldn't even think twice about it. To be honest I know it is a ton of work and can get pretty mind dulling staying at home. But it is much better than the alternative - daycare.
I think it comes down to stereotypes and the male ego. Let's face it - a lot of people still think of the man in the household as the primary income earner. I'm living in the midwest where these stereotypes hold pretty true.
I don't have time to get into all the details, but does anyone have any personal advice or can relate? Does the daycare thing get better? Any other alternatives (I know a nanny might be an option, but I know I'd dread having someone in my house... and there are other issues with that.)
Please share!!