Many women stop working full time to raise their children.
With the rising costs of child care, economically it may not make sense for the mother to continue to work.
Child care costs can average $100 dollars a week or more.
This may sound like a lot but considering the child is being watched for around 40 hours a week, this averages to about $2.
50 an hour.
With multiple children, child care may run thousands of dollars per month.
Therefore its no surprise that many women choose to forgo the child care center and stay home with their kids.
Unfortunately many people underestimate the amount of effort that child care takes.
Raising a child is never easy.
As newborns, most babies cry for no apparent reason.
They may stop crying almost as soon as they start.
They might want to eat or be held.
They might be cold or sleepy.
They could need a diaper change.
They might just cry because they feel like crying.
Learning to tolerate the crying is the first step in child care.
Understanding the problem and coming up with the appropriate solution is the next.
Some babies don't cry very much but crying is very much the norm.
Once the crying is under control, child care also requires keeping an eye on the child all of the time.
Younger infants will not be able to move around much if at all.
Once the child is able to crawl, things may become more difficult.
A mother may look away for 10 seconds only to look back and discover the child is gone.
Children are very curious after they have learned how to crawl and walk.
They will want to play and run and explore.
Things will get broken.
Milk will be spilled.
Toys will be all over the house.
Even the most watchful of mothers will spend a lot of time running after her infant.
Child care requires making sure the child is fed, clothed, entertained, and safe.
The house will need to be child proofed to make sure nothing harmful can occur.
Child proofing involves covering up outlets and rough edges on tables, locking the toilet and possibly the cabinets, gating off steps, and putting away sharp objects.
Clothes may need to be changed several times because food and drinks may be spilled.
Toys will need to be picked up because children like to make messes.
Child care is not frustrating all the time though.
Babies smell good after their baths.
They are warm and cuddly and they look precious when they sleep.
Children say things that are extremely cute and funny.
Children are very loveable.
If they weren't loveable sometimes, no one would have children.
Child care can be very rewarding, especially after watching the child grow and develop.
The decision to stay home with a child full time should not be made lightly.
Child care is not for everyone.
Some mother's will be comfortable and content in this role.
Others will be stir crazy and anxious to go back to work.
It is in the best interest of the child to have a caretaker who wants to be there.
Having a good positive role model will help the child grow into a well adjusted and successful adult.