Considering Baby #2/Daycare Expenses/Desire to Work

Updated on September 27, 2011
A.F. asks from Bellmore, NY
4 answers

My husband and I are talking about having a second child. We have a daughter who is two and a half now. I just started working full-time as a Paraprofessional. I did this because I have been talking about getting a job for a long time and want to see if I really want to work full-time. While I don't love the job, it is giving me adult contact that I have been wanting for a long time. Plus I do not bring any work home (I was a teacher before my daughter was born and I brought home a lot of work.)

I am trying to figure out how to make it work if we add on a new family member. I would prefer to work part-time but even working full-time in this position would only cover one child in daycare. My husband makes a good salary but for NY it is quite expensive on that one income with two cars. In addition, we own two other homes in other states that we rent out and sometimes need to cover additional expenses. So the thought of paying double for daycare, say, $2,400 a month seems crazy.

I have considered the possibility of getting a job in a daycare and then maybe I would get a big discount by working there. I need adult interaction and I find that as much as I would love to join every "Mommy & Me" group, they do add up. I have experience being a stay-at-home mom for two and a half years and while it is rewarding, I know myself. I really need to get out of my house and interact with adults too.

I would love to give my daughter a sibling before the age difference is too great. Any thoughts? Thank you!

P.S, I have family to help right now one day a week (overnight actually) but it cannot be long-term help as my mother cares for my niece full-time. My husband works overnight and long hours so he cannot commit to childcare all the time. He does take care of our daughter on Mondays for now.

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More Answers

S.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Does it really have to be that expensive for daycare there? When I lived in Rockland County NY, in the year 2000, I charged 140 per week per child and I would have done a sibling discount. Maybe you need to find a stay at home type daycare provider.

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T.M.

answers from Tampa on

It really just depends on how much you have the potential to make by working.... If you cannot even cover daycare expenses by working, then there really is no point. Perhaps you could join some sort of activity on the one overnight that you have off...

1 mom found this helpful

C.R.

answers from Boston on

I can so relate. I love being a SAHM but I needed to work. I needed to talk to adults. :)
I started an internet franchise 4.5 years ago and I love it. I am able to work my business around my family, make great money and have something for me. It's by far the best thing I have ever done.
Message me if you would like some information. I would be happy to share what I do.

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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

That sounds really expensive for daycare, especially since only one child will be an infant. Have you considered a nanny or au pair?

1 mom found this helpful
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