Benefits of a Stay-at-home Parent
How a Family Gains when Mum or Dad Stays Home for the Kids
Oct 17, 2008
In 2005, the US Census Bureau reported that there were 5.6 million stay-at-home mums. Those considering joining the ranks of full time at home parents but haven’t taken the plunge yet have something concrete to back them up. Researchers of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care found that the more time a child spent during the first three years of life in non-maternal care, the less positive he would interact with his mother.
The study, which first appeared in the November 1999 issue of Developmental Psychology published by the American Psychological Association, essentially emphasized the importance of a mother’s presence and care in a child’s early years. Here are more reasons to stay home for the whole family.
No Frequent Changes of Caregiver
Parents who rely on caregivers to look after their children often have different caregivers within a short time. Dr. Isabelle Fox, author of Being There: the Benefits of a Stay-at-home Parent [Barrons Educational Series Inc, 1996], describes the situation as “caregiver roulette”. She states that when both parents are working full time, 80% of the child’s waking hours are spent with substitute caregivers.
But with caregivers changing regularly – often every four to five months – it can leave emotionally devastating long-term negative results. It affects the children’s ability to trust their primary caregivers. “This in turn affects their ability to relate to others, to learn, to develop an optimistic approach to life and even to abide by the rules of society,” she adds.
Security and Comfort
Children with quick and easy access to their parents often feel more cherished, secure and happy. This positive environment allows children to learn better and faster as well as be better-adjusted and better behaved in various social settings – at a new school, on an outing, at the playground, etc.
Fewer Sick Days for Kids
With mum or dad at home full time, children are definitely in good hands. Parents can monitor what and when they eat. Parents also have more time to prepare more nutritious meals and make sure the kids have the necessary daily vitamins and supplements, boosting their immune systems. And if the children do fall sick, they probably recover faster with better care at home with mum or dad.
Flexible Schedules
One of the best perks to be a stay-at-home parent is the ability to plan activities and outings flexibly. There are no work pressures and no deadlines, allowing parents to have the pleasure of organizing fun activities with their kids. If the kids haven’t started pre-school or school, they can have a picnic, a fun day on the beach, a trip to the local mall on the spur of the moment. Some of the best and treasured times are spent when parents and kids are on some sort of outing or activity.
Chance to See Kids Grow
Children grow very fast. And parents who are too busy at work often miss the important milestones of their children’s early years – the first time they stand up, the first step they take, the first word they ever utter correctly, etc. Things are different if one parent is at home. He or she will be able to see how the child progresses from day to day. And with digital cameras and camcorders so easily available these days, the at home parent can also record the achievements and share them with the spouse and other family members.
When parents stay at home for the children, the children experience no changes in caregivers, allowing them to build trust and confidence. They also learn better and stay healthier because of the consistent care and undivided attention from their parents. Parents win too because they can schedule fun time more conveniently and won’t miss golden moments of their children’s first few years of life.
Related Article:
Tips for Would-Be Stay-at-home Parents
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