Quote From: chdsgrlMaybe Bill J needs to soften up the edges a little bit, but I have to say this, and I'm not a dolt. What are your kids doing while you're in school? I think once you make the decision to have kids, you need (or a parent needs) to be home with them and continue your schooling when they're grown. As far as child support is concerned, I think what he was trying to say is that you should do whatever you can to keep your marriages intact as to not have the need for child support. Yes, I have traditional views, and so far it's worked out pretty great!
That's great that your traditional views have worked out so well for you. As long as you are happy and fulfilled with that then that's really all that matters. However, not everyone shares your traditional views, not everyone is happy and fulfilled with staying at home. To me, the most important thing for a child is to have a mom who is happy and who feels self-worth and satisfaction in her life. Obviously, you get this from staying at home with your kids and that is wonderful. However, if I mom is unhappy staying at home then she won't be able to really care for her kids the way that they deserve. Plus, not everyone makes the decision to have kids. All three of my boys were unplanned, but I don't love them any less than any other mother. Right now my kids are in daycare from 8am-5pm because I work and go to school. This isn't my personal decision, but, I'm in the middle of a divorce from their father who chooses not to put their best interests first. Therefore, I have to do whatever I can to make sure they are provided for. It breaks my heart that my boys spend all day with someone else, however, this doesn't mean that their caregiver is 'raising' them, I am their mother, no one else, and they know that.
As far as Bill's child support comment goes I don't think he was at all referring to the importance of keeping the family together. I think he was making a harsh judgement in order to upset the original poster.
