I am staying home with our son. I used to be the main breadwinner for our family, but when the time came, we talked about it and decided it would benefit our son for me to stay home with him. I still feel guilty from time to time for not contributing to the household income. Do you feel guilty for staying home?

I am a full time stay at home too. I don't feel guilty as I feel that I work 24-7!
We have 3 little ones and they keep me busy. My husband sees the value of this and reminds me often that I work hard and that I am great mom to the kids.

I don't feel guilty about staying home, because it was a decision that my husband and I arrived at together. However, I do wish I could help bring income into the family. That's why I'm considering work at home options. Wish me luck!

How could you feel guilty about giving your children the best possible direct attention they could receive with your constant presence? Perhaps if you spent your days putting your kids in front of the TV while sitting outside sipping martinis with your other stay-at-home mom's in the neighborhood.

Sound far-fetched? I've watched it occur in my neighborhood.

Don't feel guilty about precious time with your children. They grow up quickly and soon that time will be a nostalgic memory, filled with what-ifs.

I don't think OP feels guilty about staying home but about not financially contributing to the family. It's tough to go from independent, money-making woman to "mom." While mom is certainly an important role, you lose a little of yourself (at least I did when I made that transition). I used to be in the corporate world and made twice as much as my husband. Now I'm a SAHM of 4 (which I love BTW) but I also need adult contact. I started freelancing from home which let's me have the best of both worlds. Perhaps you can find a side work at home job to make you feel better?

Staying home with the children does not exclude you from contributing to the family financlially. Why not try to find ways to earn an income from the comfort of your home?

I always knew I wanted to stay home with our children, but it's a hard adjustment to go from making your own money to contribute, to being "just a mom".

Whenever I feel the least bit guilty about staying home, I remind myself of all of the things I would miss out on if i were at work all day. Besides, there's plenty of time to work - but the kiddos don't stay this size forever.

Yes, I also feel the same way as you, so what I did was find work from home. I may not be contributing much in our income but at least I am earning some money on the side while taking care of our daughter.

Since my hubby & I decided that I'd stay home with the kiddos, I've felt guilty about not contributing financially to the household. But I've done the math, and for me to actually contribute after paying for childcare & all that, I'd have to make at least $15/hour around here & there aren't many jobs that pay that good. And my hubby has one that does. So right now, I'll continue to look for a good work at home job that doesn't need a phone because my girls are loud & we'll get by on hubby's income for now.

I don't stay at home with my child because in my situation, I have to work out of the home. You really should not feel guilty, just try to manage what you have as best as possible.