Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
If you type mommy wars in an internet search engine, you’ll come up with hundreds of thousands of hits. Whether or not women should stay home to raise their children is one of the hot-button issues of our day.

The issue is especially sensitive because it raises difficult questions. What if a family can’t survive on one income?

Families can start by figuring the actual financial benefit of two incomes. When both spouses work, much of the second income actually goes toward child care expenses—such as day care, private school, additional transportation, and after-school activities. Then there are the emotional and physical costs paid when parents try to squeeze in quality time with their children at the end of a fatiguing day. Adjusting to one income often brings with it a welcome simplicity.

The stay-at-home parent also has the option to work from home. For many part-time and full-time job opportunities, all that is needed is a quiet corner of the house and a computer. An added benefit is that work hours can be adapted to the family’s schedule.

Other creative ways to support a family on one income include purchasing food in bulk and going to the park instead of a movie. These small sacrifices will be richly repaid in a more meaningful family life. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.