Moms Talk: The Cost of Working vs. Staying Home

While driving around in my car the other day and listending to NPR, I caught an interesting converstation that was very similar in format to our Moms Talk discussion.

The panel of moms (and one stay-at-home dad) were discussing the cost of child care when both parents work, and whether, in the end, it was more cost effective to just keep one parent home.

In a recent . It got me thinking about a parent's decision about whether to stay home, or have both parents work. How did you come to this agreement in your family? 

With the cost of raising a family and sending them to college rising constantly, two incomes in a household can be helpful. But, for some, the cost of hiring a full or part-time nanny, or leaving kids in daycare, can be more expensive than the second parent would make at their job.

Today let's discuss how you came to this decision in your own home. If you are a stay-at-home parent, do you miss the workplace? Let's talk about the financial considerations too. Have you looked into what a nanny would cost? Would you feel comfortable with someone helping to raise your child? How do you feel about daycare?

Post your answers in comments below.