Should I Work with Kids? Need Advice

Hi D.! I wholeheartedly agree with all the advice given already. As they say about being a mom with little ones, "the days are long, the years are short." When they are older, will you look back and say, I am so glad I was working and gone for 12 hours a day, or will you say I am so glad I had that precious time at home with my kids?" Although it has its challenges, I wouldn't trade staying home with my kids, now ages 7,5, and 1. I did need to earn some additional income, so started working a home based business. This gives me flexibility to work when I want to (during nap times, at night or Sunday afternoon etc) and to be my own boss. Also, the potential for earning is so much greater than I could make going anywhere else part time (or maybe even fulltime). My friend from church and neighbor replaced her income as a fulltime CPA working this home based business and now works 15 hours a week from home for the same money she worked 40 hours a week for before. So, just wanted to throw my story out to give you some other options. Would like to find out more about my business to see if it might be a good option for you? If so, you can email me at: ____@____.com

I also started a second business I am doing less, but just because I am also passionate about getting toxins out of the home that could harm kids. You have to find something you believe in, if you do work your own business.

Finally, I like another's suggestion to find a playgroup/mom's club in your area for you 18 month old to have playmates. Another option is finding a MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group in your area: www.mops.org I did a moms club playgroup and MOPS and both were wonderful but MOPS was a lifesaver as it is real support for moms with young kids AND the kids loved playing with new friends there. Keep me posted on what you decide. All the best to you!

D. ,
I used to work for a very popular daycare(KidsrKids)and I personally had a horrible experience.My daughter was 3 at the time and was so sad that she wouldn't even touch her lunch,she cried every time she saw a glimpse of me out in the hall and was constantly sick from being around other kids whose parents have no choice but to take them to daycare anyway so they don't lose their job.The pay was not worth it.I worked full time from early in the morning to late in the evening and was too tired and short on patience to spend quality time with my child after work.Remember that you will still have other responsibilities once you get home(cooking dinner,laundry,cleaning,etc.)and by the time your little ones are fed and bathed,they'll be exausted.I would only take the position if your family depends on it financially.My children have found the socialization with other children through church programs like mothers morning out,I even took a job at the church teaching one of the classes so I could make some income too.Good luck to you!

D.,

If you aren't doing the because you have to have insurance or you have to have the money to make food on the table then I would say this....you could have this chance again in the near future and I would consider putting it off for these reasons:
your children are only small once, time does fly
you can't afford to become ill from working too much
6 days a week is alot
you and the kids would be gone over 12 hours, that's h*** o* a little kid
if you don't have to do this then I would wait...

enjoy the kids and the oldest can go to a prek next year, interaction with other kids is great but on (my opinion) a shorter number of hours for kids.
My kids went to prek from age 3 but only a few times a week 5 hours. By the age of 4, 4 days a week but still only 5 hours. I feel so bad for the kids that have to endure a prek for 10 hours a day, it h*** o* them (my opinion) have been there done that. Left my work stayed home and don't regret it one bit...yes we've had hard times in our situation and no insurance at times but it was worth give my kids me and home...once they start school like kindergarten it's over there aren't choices again (unless you home school). I say let them be babies at home as long as you can. My best wishes to what you decide.

I have to agree with the advice already given. If it is not critical you have the money and you can make ends meet, I would think passing is best. Is there an element of your relationship with your friend that is making it harder? I wonder because as someone else pointed out you listed mostly cons and it seems wasy to see the answer but is there more to it? For instance maybe your friend knows you are tight with money and will be insulted that you do not take the job or something? I have no idea just tossing out thoughts. But would the money really get you ahead? You have the cost of gas for that commute and that alone everyday will take a big chunk of it, also wear and tear on your car so you will need oil changes faster, maintance etc... And another thing is there is a HUGE chance you will get sick more just from germs and not only does that have a list of issues as far as your kids go and still having to go to the daycare or your friend would say not be able to take the kids that day if there is an adult to child ratio issue, you will also be adding Dr. visits and prescriptions. So anyway just a few more things to think about...I did not relist what others have already said but agree. If you can be able to make it work to be there and give your kids all of you 6 days a week I say do it ! Good-luck.

D., It seems to me that you have already made your decision by telling us all the cons of taking this job. I'm a SAHM only and would never tell you that working outside the home is the wrong thing to do. Being a happy, heathly mom is the most important thing for your kids and for you. If you think by taking this job it will really take a toll on you, then my suggeston is don't take it. But, only if your family can financially afford it. You can always go back to working more hrs than just the weekend, when the kids are older or when finances a tougher. I have been fortunate enough to be able to stay home with all my kids 7,11& 13. I have enjoyed every moment of watching them develope and being able to play & teach them things as you have said too. If you're worried about the your oldest not being able to play with kids his own age, then you could always consider finding a Mom's club or playgroup in your area to join. I hope this helps your decision and eases your mind some. Good luck with what ever you decide. May God bless you!

Oh my gosh, if you can swing it...DON'T DO IT!! You littlest one is to young to need the interaction. The 18 month old would probably enoy a lunch/play date but is I am sure just happy being with his wonderful Mom. I would not want to deal with all the sickness you would have to deal with. Why couldn't you compromise and do it part time two days a week? Say Tuesday and Thursday 9a-1pm. See if you like it. Even if you are helping with snack time and nap times and then you are out. I am sure she could be flexible if she runs this place. Whatever you do don't pin yourself into the schedule if you do not have to. I worked part time for 8.5 years and I loved every minute of it. Now I work full time but out of my house. So no commute and I am hear if someone is sick or needs breakfeast. Once you go back you get used to the income again and it is just hard.
My two are now 11 and 8 years old I do not regret working the part time at all.
Hope this helped.
Sincerely,
R.
P.S. I just saw your post good for you!