How to be happy staying at home
Staying at home to raise children certainly isn't easy, nor is it a soft option. But there are many ways to make it a truly rewarding experience, providing you are practical, positive - and don't panic!
Get real about money
You won't have to fork out hefty fees for nursery, a childminder or after school club. But, unless you're married to an investment banker or a lottery winner, chances are you will have to make cutbacks some of them quite severe. So do the maths and be realistic. For more advice go to www.thisismoney.co.uk
www.moneysavingexpert.com or www.yourmoney.co.uk.
Get clever with the kids
Entertaining young children doesn't have to cost the earth if you use your imagination. So get back to basics. For inspiration go to www.creativekidsathome.com or www.littlecraftybugs.co.uk.
Find out if you have a Sure Start scheme in your area www.surestart.gov.uk and take advantage of the support and facilities it offers. If not, don't forget your local library. It's still the best starting point for information about free or cheap local events.
Get organised with your time
You may have chosen to be a stay-at-home-mum, but that doesn't mean you've given up the right to privacy or a much-deserved night out with the girls. So make sure you don't become the family drudge. Your time is still precious so organise it carefully. Friendships formed with other stay-at-home mums are invaluable. Why not organise a babysitting circle (nothing beats free childcare) and share school runs? And make sure your partner pulls his weight. Your working day may not end at 5pm any more, but that doesn't mean it continues for a full 24 hours. Negotiate time off at weekends and ideally one night during the week too - and make sure you take it.
By Kate Corr
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