Some experts believe that a parent is irreplaceable in the early care of a child, especially if the alternative is a poorly run nursery or day care centre. In a nursery, a child does not get the undivided attention it receives from its parents.

 

According to studies, children who are in nursery or kindergarten all day should be more aggressive at home and show symptoms of stress.

On the other hand, a good child carer or childminder can give the child enough stimulation and affection that it needs to grow.

 

What are the advantages of looking after your child instead of working?

 

As a non-working parent, you have the best guarantee that your child is in good hands. You know that as a parent you are a permanent caregiver, whereas a carer will not necessarily stay for years. You have control over what the child learns or eats.

 

You can observe your child's development and see their first steps, their first words, etc. Witnessing the individual stages of development first-hand is a unique experience.

 

Long-time non-working parents who look after their children at home swear that this is the best career of their lives. You develop a special relationship with your children that is irreplaceable later on.

 

It is often even financially viable for one parent to stay at home, depending on how much has to be paid for all-day childcare.

 

Some mums and dads find it difficult to juggle work and children and are constantly under stress as a result. Giving up work and spending more time with the children instead can significantly reduce stress.

 

What are the disadvantages of giving up your job in favour of your children?

 

If you are used to socialising with colleagues at work, the hours at home with your child can seem long and lonely and may make you depressed.

 

Non-working fathers are rather rare, so it is often particularly difficult for the father to cope with social isolation because he is surrounded by mothers who sometimes see parenting fathers as odd.

 

If you are one of those who mourn their job, you will feel dissatisfied as a full-time mum. You often lose private contact with your former work colleagues as you no longer have as much in common. You may also feel a loss of identity. Without the sense of achievement at work, your self-esteem can suffer.

 

Other people and even your own partner, if they themselves have no experience of the work involved in looking after a child all day, often see you as the lucky guy who spends the day in front of the TV and occasionally changes a nappy. Anyone who hasn't looked after small children for several hours at a time doesn't know how much patience and work is required.

 

As a full-time mum or dad, there is little time for yourself. Even a busy office offers more privacy than caring for a small child.

 

A later re-entry into working life is often made difficult.