Stay at Home Mom- taking on another child?

Question

I am pregnant with our first child and due in 2 months. My best friend just found out that she is pregnant also. I have always planned on staying at home and she is into her career and does not want to give up her job.

Recently, she approached me and asked if I would be interested in supplementing our income by watching her baby when it is born and she goes back to work. She would not have to put her baby in daycare and would know that she could trust me to love and care for her child and I would be able supplement our one income lifestyle. She wants me and my husband to think and pray on it. It would probably be for about 3-4 days per week.

Has anyone had experience with this? I love my best friend and in my heart it seems like the perfect solution and I know I will love her child. But another part of me wonders if I would be compromising the stay at home experience with my child by adding another one. Would I just be adding more stress? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

I had a SAHM and for a few months she watched other kids at home and I hated it. I already had two brothers so with even less attention I was sad.

But at the  same time I was in school so when I came home  I wanted attention. But that was almost 20 years ago.

As toddlers it might be nice for interaction and helping with social skills. Honestly its your choice whether you want to be raising two babies at once. And then for how long does this go for? Its hard when mizing friendship with things, what if you decided you dont want to do it anymore, will that put a strain on your friendship? Just somthing to think about.

Only you know what will work best, so I wish you luck!

Answer 2

You will add more stress, certainly, but it would almost be like having another one yourself.  You will have enough love and time for your baby.  You can always recind your babysitting if it doesn't work out later on.  And who knows, once she gives birth, she may find that the greatest joy is actually in being home with her own baby instead of dumping it off with someone else while she plays career woman.

Answer 3

This is your first child, and most likely you're going to get overwhelmed with just your once baby... Adding another new born to that is like having twins for your first baby. It would be a LOT of work... But, by the time she has her baby yours would probably be around, what? 7months tops? By that time your child might very well be bonking his/her head, trying to crawl to things, etcetc. He/she will need a LOT of your attention to help him/her along. The newborn could interfer.

However, this is your best friend, and I know you feel kind of, obligated to help? Perhaps you can talk her into taking maturnity leave for at least a few months,..that way you have more time with your baby first, and hers wont necessarily be a newborn and it might make things a little easier. SHE can get her baby on schedule and you can just work with that schedule and not sit there trying to make one while taking care of yours.

I hope that makes sense. Best of luck with your decision.