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Effective Parenting Strategies: How To Raise Firstborn Children The Right Way

     When it comes to parenting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each child is unique and requires different parenting styles to thrive. However, firstborns often have a special place in the family dynamic, and their upbringing can have a significant impact on they turn out in future. In this post, we will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being the firstborn in a family. We will provide practical tips and strategies for parents to help their firstborns develop into confident, responsible, and successful individuals. Whether you are a first-time parent or have several children, we will provide valuable insights into raising firstborns right. From setting clear expectations to avoiding common pitfalls, this article will equip you with the tools you need to help your firstborn thrive.  Have you read Parenting and the Curse of the Firstborn? Understanding Firstborns Firstborn children hold a unique position in the family dynamic. Th...
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Is Being A Stay At Home Mom Affordable?

A mom carrying a baby boy who has his lips in a pout


     Is leaving your new bundle of joy behind as you return to work giving you the shivers? Choosing to be a stay at home parent is no walk in the park though some may think so and may even turn up their noses at you when you say you are a stay-at-home mom. To them it seems you have chosen to laze around and drain your husband's finances. But this decision is about you, not them. I don't think everyone is cut out to be a stay-at-home mom and that is okay. You just need to find what works for you and stick to it like I did. It is wisdom to weigh your actions carefully and honestly before you commit to it. If you walk this path before you are prepared, you will most likely end up with regrets. Finances is a huge part of our lives and holds the potential to mar relationships if not handled with care. This is why this decision must be in agreement between you and your partner. When I made the decision to stay at home it was before we got married so we had a lot of time to plan and put things in place before babies came.

Decide What Matters To You

     A huge part of our identity comes from our work and how much we earn. Are you willing to have your self esteem take a nosedive? Can you handle the isolation from adults for long periods of time? Many mothers are uncomfortable with someone else taking care of their very young children. Do you feel the same way? Is your family finance able to handle sudden huge expenses? Do you have any money set aside as savings? These are aspects you need to factor into your decision to be a stay-at-home mom.

Prepare Financially To Be A Stay At Home Mom

     We cannot all afford to keep working when the cost of child care and home maintenance has taken a larger part of our income. Make a list of your usual monthly expenses, calculate the amount spent on commuting to work and lunch and check other expenses you make at home. Total your monthly income, do the maths by subtracting the former and see if it works for you. Then do the same for your partner's income and see if his income can handle the monthly expenses. 

Plan Ahead

     You may not have the luxury of planning way ahead like I did but you can start while you are pregnant. It will also give you time to prepare. Many moms return to work after their maternity leave and realise they don't want to work there anymore so while you are pregnant and still working is a good place to start cutting back on expenses, live on your partner's salary and put yours in a savings account. Stick to your plans so you don't end up running into debts and taking out loans. 

Ways To Afford Being A Stay At Home Mom

If you are already a stay-at-home mom and you are looking for ways to save money, this is for you.
  • Fit your expenses into your budget. Your family now has one source of income and when the money is gone, it is gone. Learn to say no to some things that may leave you stranded before the next pay check comes.
  • Breastfeed your baby. It is not only nutritious but also cost saving. Calculate the cost of buying baby formula for a month and see how much you have saved.
  • As a stay-at-home mom, you take care of your baby and home and it saves you the extra cost of paying for child care and housekeeping.
  • Buy used clothing, shoes and other household items. Not every used item is shabby and you can get a good bargain for them too.
  • Buy food stuff from village markets where they sell in wholesale prices to retailers. You can also pair with another person to buy in large quantities and then share. Buying in bulk saves a lot of money. 
  • Use your skills to supplement your husband's income. You can put that sewing machine to good use, work as a virtual assistant, write an ebook or be engaged in home-based business. 
  • Always keep your spouse in the loop, that way you can be certain of his support.
     If you are willing to make some changes and  sacrifices to your current lifestyle, and to get creative with paying bills and making food, I assure you that staying home with your family is possible. If we can make it happen for our family, you absolutely can too!

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I'm Rachael, a wife, mom and an entrepreneur and I love to share my experiences with other young moms as we navigate this sometimes turbulent waters of family life and raising children, learning to be financially independent while also anchoring our faith in God.

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