Fully agree. The crazy thing is daycare now costs (in the US) between $2-3k a month depending on region. So it’s started making economic sense for the low-earning parent to stay home and raise the child, like they should be doing anyway.
If one parent can’t make at least $20/hr working full time then on net they’re losing money (after taxes) working all day to pay someone else to raise their child.
After initially having our son, my wife and I sat down and drew out the different scenarios. Her going to work, despite making nearly 6 figures at the time, would only net us about $2k a month. Initially, we decided it was not worth the trade off.
Later on, we made the mistake of going back on that for a bit. Overall, it was ok, but we only lasted a year before we fully committed to her caring for him full time.
And we’re the exception. She made great money, especially for as early in her career she was. If your wife isn’t earning much, there’s just no way it’s worth it.
Add in the benefit of your child being raised by their actual parents at all times and the value of that is priceless.
Good work, this is the way.
