Before beginning on this topic I would like to put out a disclaimer and say that there are many different situations and this article is just looking on both sides of an issue to enable others to stand back and determine what is most important to them.
That being said, let us begin the great face down of the stay at home mom vs working mom.
Stay at Home Mom: Thought the stay at home mom does not have the expenses the working mom faces she does need to be wise otherwise she will be just as poorly off than if she did.
For example, staying at home can be dull if mom is not careful and becomes bored.
She has a tendency to use free time purchasing gadgets that she "needs" for the home and homemaking.
She may also feel that since does not have her children around the usual daycare environment that she needs to supplement this by excessively driving her kids all over town from one social engagement to another, thus spending gas and time on activities that are a drain on the family's wallet.
If the stay at home mom uses her time wisely she may be able to add to the family income by working at home part time.
The other advantage for the stay at home mom is her ability to budget the household and save money by taking the time to cook meals, tend to the laundry, clean the house and take care of the children.
Vs.
Working Mom: Many moms choose to work or continue working for the sad fact that they have to.
If they do not they will not be able to maintain the style of living that they need or desire.
However is the working mom really making/saving more money than the stay at home mom? First of all, there is the child care to pay (unless mom is fortunate enough to have a loving grandma nearby).
Then there are the expenses of buying "quick foods", having to commute and possibly a house cleaner.
If her income exceeds these expenses than financially she is doing all right.
Stay at Home Mom: She is able to be a constant support and nurturer to her family.
She is with her children throughout the day and is able to enjoy being a mom.
On the other hand if she gets grumpy with work and fails to provide her children with a loving environment it is probably not going to be much better for her or the kids tan if she worked.
Vs.
Working Mom: It is definitely more difficult for a mom who is at work all day to keep in touch with her family but if she must work away from home she would do well to spend what time she does have with them in quality interaction.
Making every moment count is very important for both the working mom and stay at home mom.