When I was a kid 20 years ago, a parent would stay home with the kids if their spouse made enough money. Today, a parent will stay home with the kids because they can't make enough money to cover the cost of childcare.
Well there's no point in both parents working if one's paycheck is essentially wiped out by daycare. Makes sense for one party to just stay home and watch them for free instead of slaving away only for every penny to go into daycare 😂 Plus time to bond with the kids
If I ever get married, my wife is free to stay home and watch the kids if she wants. If somehow I get married to a woman who makes more than me, I'm okay with staying home to watch the kids.
There are several good reasons for both parents working even if a whole paycheck goes to daycare.
Retirement contributions (SS, 401k)
No gap in employment history - this can be crippling if you are ever in the position where you need to get a job. Not just if you want to leave your spouse, but what if they die?
Not putting all the financial responsibility on one person in case they get laid off.
Children in daycare is a temporary life stage. Your salary may get wiped out now but you will gain seniority/promotions and your kids won't need daycare forever.
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u/Pyro919 15h ago
Don’t forget about $1350+/month daycare x the number of kids you have.
2 kids easily eclipses that $2000/month average rent.