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For those of us Mother's who have a choice to stay at home (not those who couldn't eat if they didn't work)is it worth $500.00 or $1,000.00 to leave our children? As a younger Mother I worked outside the home when my son was young. A widow at 22 with a 2 year old son, social security was not enough to live on. With the help of family I was able to work and raise my son. Remarrying at twenty-six I continued to work, there were house payments and car payments. My son Graduated with a degree in Architectural Engineering from Penn State (another reason to work), he was fine. Now as an older Mother with two young girls I choose to stay home with them. The house is paid for and we do without some things but the rewards are worth. To supplement our income I operate state licensed family day care. So I am home with my three year old and she has friends to play with.

Sacrifices are to be made when children are brought into this world. Are there some days I would like to put on nice clothes and and have a little adult companionship? Yes! But trips to the library and PTG meetings are more important at this time in my life and more importantly in the lives of my children.The look on the face of a child as he cracks an egg when helping to make chocolate chip cookies or when I dance the Hokey-Pokey is priceless.
I would not sacrifice the time I had with my six year old as she was growing or with my three year old now. Driving a new vehicle or living in a nicer home is not the reward I desire. Time with little ones that can never be retrieved is.

Learn more about this author, Cindy Benner.
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