Reply to Wishing time would slow down

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[quote=Anonymous]I’ll bite.

I was a SAHM when my children were little (and I’m part time now.) I truly believe every parent feels like time moves too fast - and nostalgia for those baby snuggles is real!

However, I completely disagree about quality time. I felt like I got to see the best of my children every day. For us mornings was when they were most engaged/curious - ready to take on the world! That’s when we got out of the house for the fun outings and I saw the most engagement from them. Then we’d come home for lunch and they’d nap. Afternoons we’d do a short errand, play date or stay home. This is also when I’d get chores done/make dinner etc. Evenings were definitely about decompressing and getting ready for bed.

All of that to say that the quality of our interactions definitely  declined as we approached bedtime. Of course, they were still happy and playing, etc but they were clearly tired from the day and winding down. And of course, once school starts this really becomes obvious. Most Kindergarten kids need a lot of time to decompress at home after a tiring school day. So, for school age kids - I completely agree with you. The difference between the quality time that you get with your children whether you work or stay home is not hugely significant. . (Caveat, I still don’t see how you think having LESS time with your children would result in more quality time but... okay)

However, before school age? No way. For babies/toddlers/preschoolers there is a HUGE difference in the quality time you get with your children if you stay home. That said, it only really matters a few years - so, a very small chunk of their childhood. If you have a job where you wouldn’t be able to go back after taking time off, it probably would’t be worth it to stay home. (At least not to me - I was fortunate in that I could easily return when I was ready.)

We all make choices and trade offs in our lives. Be realistic about yours. [/quote]

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