Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you so much for drawing a hard line on the importance of staying home and raising your children. When my husband and I were dating we talked openly and often about my desire to someday be a stay-at-home mom and how I didn't believe in nannies or day cares to raise our children and he agreed. We spent our early years of marriage saving money and planning financially for the time when we would start our family so we knew we would be able to live on one income.
Four years ago, when my son was born, I left my career as an engineer to become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I took a lot of flak from family and friends who thought I was crazy and "throwing away" my Master's degree and career. They couldn't understand why we would choose to live on just my husband's small income or how I could leave behind my career without a second glance. I disregarded all of them. I knew that the best thing for my son (two years later, my daughter) was for me to be home with them each and every day teaching them the morals and ideals that are important to us as a family and just simply being here.
Recently, I was contacted by an old college friend and colleague of mine about doing some consulting work. I was able to pick up some very flexible and part-time engineering work that I do during nap time and at night after the kids are in bed. This does not affect my kids or husband. They will continue to be my top priority. I know too many woman who think they have no choice but to send their kids to day care but it CAN be done with careful planning and budgeting.
Thank you for all that you do for stay at home moms.
Sincerely,
Sarah
