If there’s one thing parents and caregivers can all agree on, it’s simply that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” method of child rearing. Some parents can successfully balance a busy career while raising a child, while others simply find it too difficult to manage and choose to stay at home full-time with their child. But in weighing the pros and cons of this difficult decision, remember there really is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about what works best for you—and your family. To help you make an informed choice about being a stay-at-home parent, here are some things to consider:

Finances

According to the 2022 Cost of Care Survey by care.com, 51 percent of parents say they spend more than 20 percent of their household income on child care, and 72 percent of parents report spending 10 percent or more. This makes the average cost of center-based child care in the United States at $14,760 per year, or $1230 a month. In South Carolina, average child care costs are around $7,007 per year. When considering these every-increasing costs, bypassing the financial burden of child care can certainly help your family’s bottom line.

But despite the potential cost savings, it can still be difficult for a family to thrive on the salary of one parent or caregiver. Before you decide to be a stay-at-home parent, take a hard look at your family’s expenses and incomes as well as any long-term career financial goals to determine if you can afford to stay at home with your child. Use these child care budgeting resources to help you examine your potential child care costs in full detail to see what works best for you and your family.

A Temporary Job

When considering becoming a stay-at-home parent, keep in mind that this job, like any other one, does not have to be forever. You may choose to only stay at home to care for an infant, or you may stay at home until your child starts grade school. And even if you do choose to stay at home, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your professional goals. Many stay-at-home parents make a successful transition to working from home while still taking care of their kids. Or you may choose to totally focus on child rearing and then return to work a few years down the line. You may even choose to work a part-time job while taking care of your kids. The point is (removed comma) today’s parents and caregivers have more options than ever before as employers and jobs become more flexible.

Finding Balance

Anyone considering becoming a stay-at-home parent needs to be aware that taking care of a child full-time can be quite an adjustment. Many parents and caregivers are unaccustomed to the demands of round-the clock care. Some say they miss the reliability of a fixed work schedule while others say they miss interacting with other adults. But the real key to being a successful stay-at-home parent is finding the right balance. If you’re used to a team-based work environment, you might find home-based child care a lonely venture.

Careers and workplaces can be fulfilling and define a part of your identity that caring for a child cannot fulfill. That doesn’t make you a bad parent. But on the other hand, stay-at-home parents enjoy benefits that have nothing to do with the workplace, like having the satisfaction of knowing your children are getting your full-time attention and that you are present for all their early milestones. Just remember that the choice is a personal one that is unique to every family.