Ok....So I have the choice of staying home with Natalie after this school year ends or I can keep teaching at Raytown School District. Here are the pros and cons....
Teaching:
-After 5 years of teaching Special Education (which I have 3 left). I will get $17,500 of my school loans waived!
-I LOVE my career as a teaching especially working with special needs kids. My career makes me happy and I feel very rewarded.
-Be able to buy a house alot faster if I keep working.
-I can stay on the substitute teaching list, I could sub whenever I wanted too.
-Can go back to teaching when Natalie is in school.
-Recently, I was told that I am one of the best self-contained SPED teachers in the district, this makes it even harder for me to make my decision. (I don't want to disappoint anyone).
-I have over 60 workboxes put together for my students to work on, these boxes contain IEP goals, for example, adding, subtracting, letter identification, sounds, community signs, telling time, counting money, identify coins and etc. I have spent alot of money putting these together. I can't decide if I don't return to teaching in the fall, do I bring all these home, or leave them there for the next teacher.
Stay-at-home:
-Natalie needs her mama!
-Natalie will have OT/Speech appointments each month, if I work I will have to get a substitute.
-I get to be at home with her when she is sick.
-Erich new career move as a Police officer gives me the option of staying home.
-Play groups with Natalie.
-Watch my little lady grow and learn new things.
-I want to do what is best for my family.
-I can take online classes to finish my Masters degree.
-Scrapbook!! (Only if I get the time!)
-Take Natalie to the park, zoo, grocery shopping.
-Spend time with Erich when he is not working.
So I have pretty much made my mind up about what I am going to do. I will post my decison soon! Any suggestions or advice would be helpful!
7 comments:
This is a decision that only you and Erich can make. However, I can tell you from personal experience, that I have never, ever regretted being home with my kids! We have made some financial sacrifices as a result, but it's worth it! Good luck!
Melissa :)
I totally agree with what Melissa said. It is between you and Erich; however, being a stay at home mom is the most rewarding career that could ever exist (assuming that you are an involved mother which I know you would be). I am in the primary presidency in our ward here and have been really watching the children and comparing children with stay at home moms with those whose moms work. The biggest difference that I've seen is that the ones with moms home know how to behave better and don't "act up" to get attention. But there are a few whose moms work and they really make a huge effort to be involved with their children when they are home and those kids are just as well behaved as the others. I know you'd be able to be one of those moms that could juggle working and mothering.......so I guess my honest suggestion would be to be a stay at home mom for the first few years of Natalie's life when she is learning how to act and what's wrong and right; then maybe go back and work when she's in school. But like I said, you and Erich have this decision to make on your own and you may get a different answer than what I suggested in prayer. I know you guys are close to the spirit and will make the right decision. :) Woh, that was long, sorry.
Becky it is between you Eric and the Lord. But personal experience for me is being home is the best. You miss so much in short period of time. I have had to work, and I absolutely hate it. The time when our children are growing, developing, learning are when they need us. God loans them to us to teach, nurture, love and we do that best when home with them always. I have very very strong opinions on this. I wont go over board, but I think the best for any child is mom home. There are ways to do all that you need or want on 1 income, even if things are tighter.
But you really should decide prayerfully. The Lord will guide you, he will never steer you wrong.
I love you guys lots and miss you. I am so happy your a mommy and I know your an awesome one. No matter what your decision is your little girl will be loved.
I love your list! It is honest and thoughtful, which makes it more possible for you to get answers from the Lord. I am sure you and Erich will make the right decision. I was so conflicted recently about my future education/career (you know the story) that I went to my bishop. He asked me what James thought. He told me he had complete confidence that we'd make the right decision together (God included) and refused to give me his thoughts about it. It really is that personal!
On another side note, I've had several melancholy moments this past month as I've prepared for the children's birthdays. They were babies just yesterday!!! I was looking through pictures with so much gratitude that it worked out for me to be at home with them during that early time in their lives. It went too fast! Going to school now that they're in school hasn't been easy. However, it has become a great blessing for our family because I've had peace about it every semester. You will find your own peace, too.
We think you should confound with the Lord and your husband, and know that you will be led the right way!
We love you guys!
Slayton's :}
If you've already made your decision, mine won't matter much so I'll pick......
STAY AT HOME!!!
You'll forever be glad you did!
Your baby's so sweet, I'm so glad everything's going well at home!
I love being home....but i miss working too...i work partime to keep my sanity...but do enjoy your time with her while she's too small to run away!
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