Home Work for Moms

The cost of traditional daycare can drastically reduce income. The yearly cost of daycare is estimated to range between $5,700 and $12,000 depending on the type of arrangements made.

Cynthia Benn felt that, although her earnings were greatly diminished, it was worth the expense of placing her children in a daycare center when they were younger to enable her to keep a hand in the business. Some mothers choose to fit work in during nap times. Up until he was three, James MacDonald took two-hour naps both mornings and afternoons. Once a week Vicki hired a teenager to sit with James for two hours while she completed paperwork or made phone calls. Other options include establishing a child care co-op with other mothers who work at home, or calling on relatives to help out.

For these women, the first priority is being available for their families at any time of the day. Their schedules are set around the needs of husbands and children.

Making the choice to work from home allows mothers to balance domestic and career responsibilities while reaping benefits from both.