In a world that is driven by the assumption that a household will have two incomes, having mom stay home with the children takes great sacrifice. But, I believe that the sacrifice is worth it on many fronts. It takes some creativity and willingness to do without some things but there are also lots of benefits and savings by staying home. Raising a large family has many unique aspects but one of the one that most people wonder about is the financial one. “How do you afford it?” many ask me each time I am shopping. And here are the biggest ways that I make raising a large family on one income doable and enjoyable.
* Buy less – You can’t buy less food and you can’t buy less soap but there are lots of other things you can buy less of. Less soda. Fewer meals out. Not so many pairs of shoes and not so many shirts. You don’t really have to have the latest in kitchen gadgets or the fanciest of artwork gracing your walls for your family to thrive and be happy. So, before spending money we always ask ourselves if the item is really needed. Now, there is a time and a place for wants and there is nothing wrong with buying them when you are able but spending money that you don’t have or that should be used for something else is something to avoid. Many “costs” that families feel today are not really needed and could be avoided by training our children and ourselves to be content with what we have already been blessed with.
* Stay Home – With a little creativity and imagination, memories can be made with the ones you love without leaving home. Camping in the backyard. Playing a game of catch. Watching a movie on a pallet in the living room. Or even a hysterical game of charades or Pictionary. It is so much cheaper even to make sundaes at home rather than visit your local ice cream shop. Use this homemade pizza recipe for a fun dinner and movie night. And while having fun you are saving money on gas, food, and entertainment and there is no stress about the children getting antsy or too loud or spending a ton of money on activity that not everyone will enjoy. By staying home the baby can play on the floor, the toddler can run around and be noisy and the rest of the family can make memories.
* Don’t be afraid to TRY – Make your own homemade laundry soap. Try a meal of beans and rice. Bake your own homemade bread. Or even make a game to play together while enjoying some homemade snack ideas. By trying new things you may find ways to save money on things that you must buy anyway. Cleaning products are expensive and many jobs around the house can be accomplished with some good old white vinegar and baking soda. Snack food at the store is costly and not very healthy but if you can buy some flour, some plain cereal and such like that and turn them into super yummy snacks you will feel like you can do anything!!
* Strive for contentedness – It is a long process and not one that came easy for me but once I learned to be content I was so much happier. When I finally reached a point that I could say home for days on end and just enjoy my home and family without going stir crazy, when I could enjoy packing a picnic lunch just as much as eating out during a family outing, and when making a fun homemade dinner with my children instead of ordering delivery was okay with me, my life became so much simpler. So many times we are tempted to allow our life to revolve around “stuff” instead of people. But when we can learn to be content with just the people we love we can do with a lot less “stuff”.
Philippians 4:11-1311 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
It is not always easy raising a large family on one income but it is doable. We may not have brand new clothing or the perfect shoes for every outfit but those things don’t effect eternity. We have time with each other and that makes memories that will last a lifetime.
I so needed this encouragement today! I just finished my first year of being a stay at home mom to four children. We sold our house and made other changes in order for it to happen. Some days or weeks or months, I think maybe we made the wrong choice. I have to remind myself that I am in God’s will. I would add that our tithes and offerings are a huge part of our testimony that God provides! Thank you for sharing your tips!