Some studies have shown that children who spend their days at day care are prone to higher stress levels and tend to be more aggressive than those children who are cared for at home. However, there are other studies that have proved that children who attend day care rather than stay at home get all the stimulation and attention with a good quality caregiver.
On the other hand, if your child is at home with you every day, you have the satisfaction of knowing that she is being cared for by someone who will be around for a long time. There is always a chance at day care that the caregiver finds another job and leaves. This means that your child will have to get used to another new caregiver.
While at home, you can supervise your child in a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere. Another definite pro about having your child stay at home is that you will see all the “firsts” as your child grows. It will be you and not a caregiver who sees them laugh or sit up by themselves for the first time. Not only that, but you will be able to keep up with their other physical and emotional milestones as well.
Studies have also shown that in some cases, when one parent decides to stop working to stay at home with the children, stress levels in the home are lower. This is because, with both parents working, both are tired after a long day at work and the children too, which usually results in arguing.
Many people who choose to stay at home to look after their children have said that they become lonely after a while. They are used to having adult company the whole day, and miss this when they are away from the office. It has even been found in some cases that this change of pace has caused depression in the stay-at-home parent.
Dads who decide to stay at home feel twice as isolated as it is highly unlikely that there are many fathers in their neighbourhood who stay at home to look after their children. Mothers can make friends with other stay-at-home moms, but for dads, other stay-at-home dads are few and far between.
Your self-esteem could very well also suffer as a stay-at-home parent. While at the office you received praise every time you did something well. However, no matter how good a mom or dad you are, there will be no praise forthcoming from your newborn.
While you will not be spending a fortune on day care, choosing to stay at home means that the household only has one salary to depend on. This means that careful budgeting and lowering your living standards might be necessary.
