Reasons To Be A SAHD

Are you a dad who is considering staying at home to take care of your children while your wife goes out to work and earns more than you?

You may have mixed feelings about this decision, but I'm here to tell you that it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

In fact, it can be the best decision you ever make!

More Time with Your Children

Children grow up very fast. For most of us, their closeness to you diminishes as they grow older.

Take a look at the video below. It depicts painfully how limited time you have as daddy dearest.

Being a stay-at-home dad allows you to have a copious amount of time with your kids.

People love to say, "It's not about the amount of time you spend with them, it's about the quality of time you spend with them." Well, that is just an excuse.

I had used the same excuse in the past. Instead of visiting my parents regularly, I rather lying down at home reading fanfictions or playing computer games.

So, I used the quality time facade to justify my choice.

There is also another explanation for that sentence.

What they really mean is, "If you're constantly scrolling through Facebook or binge-watching YouTube instead of engaging with your loved ones, then the time you spend with them is meaningless."

So, yes, quality time is important, but quantity matters too.

You can't just have one meaningful conversation with your spouse or child and call it a day.

Relationships require consistent effort and attention. It's like watering a plant.

You can't just give it a good soaking once a month and expect it to thrive.

You need to give it a little love every day.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Not only do you get to spend more time with your kids, but you also have the flexibility to adapt your schedule to their needs.

No more having to stress about taking leave when your little one is sick or trying to juggle work and family commitments.

You're the captain of this ship now, and you get to call the shots.

Picture this: Your wife has an important meeting at work and can't make it home in time to pick up the kids from school.

Normally, this would be a nightmare scenario.

But as a stay-at-home dad, you can adjust your schedule to pick them up from school and take them to the park for a little post-school playtime.

You're the hero of the day!

And let's talk about sick days.

As a working parent, there's nothing worse than having to call in sick because your child is sick.

It's a lose-lose situation.

There are only 6 days childcare leave in Singapore (which is definitely not enough) and it get reduces to 2 days when they reach 7 years old!

But as a stay-at-home dad, you can take care of your little one and still get things done around the house.

You can snuggle up on the couch with Little Einstein, make some homemade porridge, and give your little one all the tender loving care they need.

Plus, you get to skip the office and stay in your pajamas all day.

Win-win!

Witnessing and Celebrating Milestones

One of the biggest rewards of being a stay-at-home dad is being able to witness and celebrate your children's milestones.

From their first smile, their first words, their first fall and to their first day of school and beyond, you get to be there for all of it.

These moments are precious and irreplaceable, and you get to be a part of them.

Probably Less Stress

Being a full-time dad does come with its own set of challenges and stressors.

However, it can be less stressful than juggling a full-time job, taking care of the children and household responsibilities.

There are resources available to help you. You can join online communities of stay-at-home dads, seek support from family and friends, or even hire a nanny or babysitter for extra help.

You Guide Their Development

Spending more time with your children allows you to be more involved in their development.

Considering the amount of time you will spend with them, you should your child best, and you can provide the best guidance for them.

You can help them learn and grow by teaching them new things, engaging them in playtime, and providing guidance as they navigate through life.

This can be especially important during the formative years, as you can help shape their values, beliefs, and character.

Once they approach adolescence, they may begin to prioritize their time with friends over family.

Forging Lifelong Memories

When you are a stay-at-home dad, you have the opportunity to forge lifelong memories with your children.

These memories will last a lifetime and can be cherished by both you and your children.

Whether it's playing catch in the backyard, going on family vacations, or just spending quality time together at home, these memories will be a source of happiness and joy for years to come.

I personally have tons of photos and videos on their everyday activities. They bring us so much joy every time we watch them together.

Circumstances

Sometimes, the call for decision can be very straightforward.

In my case, Niki was having a post-natal depression and was collapsing from taking care of our eldest. I need to quit my job to help her.

Other cases can be wife is earning way more and the childcare cost is crazy.

The cost of daycare in America is enough to make you want to start a lemonade stand in your front yard just to earn a little extra cash.

We are more fortunate in Singapore as we are subsided heavily according to our income level.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

As the primary caregiver, you have the opportunity to create a safe and comfortable home environment for your children.

This means creating a clean and organized space, providing healthy meals and snacks, and fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere.

When your children feel safe and comfortable at home, they are more likely to thrive and succeed.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, being a stay-at-home dad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

You will have the opportunity to spend more time with your children and provide them with the guidance and support they need.

And while it may not be the traditional family dynamic, it can be a wonderful way to raise a happy and healthy family.

And no matter how long you decide to stay home, whether for a few months or many years, you will be forging lifelong memories and putting in time with your kids that will reap rewards as they grow and develop into amazing adults.

Of course, being a stay-at-home parent isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

There are days when you'll want to pull your hair out, and moments when you'll wonder if you made the right choice.

But when your little ones give you a big hug and say "I love you, Mom/Dad," you'll know that you're exactly where you're meant to be.

So go ahead and take the leap!

You won't regret it.