I had some tiny bits of being able to stay home when my kids were first born. I think if the opportunity presents itself, this is a blessed option for the family. However, it's just not realistic for most people. Trying to accomplish everything that needs to be done at home, at work, and most importantly for your family is a task that can be draining as well as fulfilling. Throw in being a single mom and possibly filling the role of dad..... parenting can be difficult to say the least. It's also the greatest blessing in the world - despite the challenges any of us face or have faced.

I switched jobs a couple of years ago so my wife could stay home until our kids get in school. It has been a great sacrifice financially, work, budget etc. I am gone all day but get back before dinner to eat as a family, play with the kids some, help with bath and we each read to one every night before we put them down. For young parents out there I cannot even begin to explain what reading to the kids every night has done for them. DO IT! There are times just me working causes arguments. It is definatly a sacrifice but in the end it is years my wife + kids could never make up. My parents both had to work but I felt like (still feel like) they bent over backwards to support me and be involved in my life. My wife and I are both blessed with great parents!

 

This is what I am talking about, reading with your kids. We have a tradition in our house besides when they were little and read everynight but at Christmas Eve we always read "Night Before Christmas", 2 Christmases ago, my husband wasn't able to read(he has cancer) so the boys wanted to read it to me - they were 16 & 18 then, last Christmas Dad read again and they are 17 & 19. These are times that I will never forget either.

Parenting is the best job. Thank God I have my children.