| Parenting is tough for first time parents. Although we | | | | regret or resentment towards your husband or even |
| are born with some parental instinct, it is still about | | | | your children. |
| sacrifice. For a couple expecting their first child, they | | | | If you want nothing more than to be a stay at home |
| may find themselves feeling a little sad that the | | | | mom and raise your children, then kudos to you. Make |
| freedom they had before a baby is gone. They should | | | | that decision and do not take to heart those that look |
| not feel guilty about that feeling. It is normal to have a | | | | down on it. A stay at home mom is certainly a full time, |
| wide range of emotions when such a huge change | | | | and sometimes stressful job. And consider the cost |
| has happened. Luckily, a cute little baby is enough | | | | you would be saving the family in child care. |
| motivation to embrace the change. | | | | Sometimes the income of a job and the cost of child |
| However, a lot of parents make guilt or social | | | | care barely break even. |
| acceptance a factor in making decisions, especially a | | | | But what if you would like to stay home, but your |
| mom. Although our society has dramatically changed | | | | family needs your income? |
| the opportunities for women, we would be remiss to | | | | There are lots of jobs and careers that allow flexibility. |
| admit that a part of us does not want to stay at home | | | | One thing to consider is becoming a secret shopper. |
| and play with baby all day instead of go to work. | | | | Becoming a secret shopper would open a world of |
| The truth is, that no matter what decision you make, | | | | opportunities for a stay at home mom. |
| you and others may second guess or judge the | | | | As a shopper, you would be sent on assignments to |
| decision. If you have a career that you love, you may | | | | local restaurants, fast food chains, retailers, doctors |
| feel guilty for leaving the baby. Or your mother in law | | | | offices, etc. The great thing about becoming a secret |
| or other friends and family may pressure you to stay | | | | shopper is that is not only provides some income, but |
| home, like they did. | | | | often includes free or discounted merchandise. By |
| On the other hand, if you are a stay at home mom, | | | | becoming a secret shopper, you may be sent to |
| you may feel like you are not contributing to the | | | | evaluate the local grocery store and asked to buy |
| family's income. And still, others may treat you as | | | | some fresh produce. Of course, you could multi-task |
| though you do nothing worthwhile. You may even find | | | | and do your other shopping while there and now you |
| yourself missing the excitement and interaction with | | | | have been paid to do your errands. In addition, the |
| coworkers. | | | | fresh produce should be reimbursed as part of the |
| As a mom, you should make these decisions based | | | | assignment. |
| on yourself. So many things about parenting will require | | | | Becoming a secret shopper is a great way to |
| you to put yourself aside, but your career should not | | | | compromise being a stay at home mom, having a |
| be one of them. If you thrive at work and feel you | | | | career and making some money for bills. And, as you |
| would not be happy at home, then you should make | | | | will quickly learn, parenting is all about compromise. |
| the decision to go back. The last thing you want is | | | | |