First of all, I hope you like the new facelift to the blog! 

(It's still under construction though.)

The URL has changed, too. It's now http://www.offandonair.blogspot.my. The URL will pretty much depict what this blog will be about -- my musings on being Live on air and what happens off air. :-) 

Okay, back to the topic of this entry. 

It's an ongoing debate which there is no answer to. Which is better -- to become a stay-at-home mom or to keep being that career woman once you have a child? There IS no answer, now isn't there? A mother can shower unconditional and unequivocal love to the child whether she is attached to a day job or not. 

It's all about the choices we make, no?

Often I hear the ramblings of those who are looked down by certain quarters because they choose to not stay at home. But there is no right or wrong. Who's to dictate how you raise your children, anyway?

Either way, I believe parents choose for the best.

Either way, the child can grow up healthily and intellectually.

I for one, cannot say much due to lack of experience. But here are my thoughts on the critical factors that need to be considered when making a decision on which hat to wear:

1. Financial Standings

This would probably become the primary factor to consider.

Sometimes, due to a couple's financial standings, they have no liberty of choosing. On the other hand, there are couples who agree for the wife to stay at home, with many financial adjustments to be made and accustomed to.

2. Living Arrangements

Are you staying with your parents/in-laws?

If you are, a mother can continue working whilst there is no immediate need for a baby-sitter or maid -- if your parents/in-laws are able-bodied to take care of your baby. Then again, you would not want to burden them for the longest time.

3. How career-driven are you?

Some women are more career-driven than others. It's not wrong to be so, everyone has their own preferences. If you are, you will most likely need to look into the option of hiring a baby-sitter/maid, or send your child to a reliable and reputable day care. When you do, make sure you regularly monitor the caretaker(s) and their handling of your baby.

4. Willingness to hire a baby-sitter/maid or send your baby to a day care

Some people are just not willing to.

Hence, the best option would be to stay at home with your baby. Of those I know who are stay-at-home moms, the job of taking care of your own child is super rewarding (and not any less tiring than being in the office!).

 *     *     *

But hang on.

Being a stay-at-home mother does NOT mean you can't generate income. There are many ways to do from home; you just need to know in which way you can contribute. There are many pros and cons to doing this, as opposed to being in the office from 9 to 5.

Think out of the box and make effort.

A big salute to all moms, who make sacrifices for their children!