Melanie, 30, decided to be at home with her first son when she was pregnant with him and working full-time as a loan auditor. When presented with the idea, her husband, Ed, a bus driver and part-time flight instructor, was apprehensive about the financial changes that he knew would occur. The concept of at-home parenting was not familiar to either of them, as Ed had been in the care of a babysitter since he was an infant, and Melanie had also intermittently been cared for by babysitters in her childhood.

Melanie thought the best way to implement her plan would be to create a “safety net” by working in her career until the birth of their son, and then opting for a six-month leave of absence. She assured Ed that if it didn’t work out, she would be able to go back to work. She never did-stating that once she saw her son, she knew that returning to the office would no longer be an option. Melanie is now a stay-at-home mom of a total of four children, ages 6, 4, 3, and 1. She home schools the oldest two, and plans to do the same with the others.

Melanie had strong convictions for wanting to make the transition from work to home. She had a passionate desire to pass her own values, ideals and beliefs along to her children.

Conversations held with others confirmed the notion that stay-at-home parenting would be best for her children. Melanies’ mom once told her, “No one could love your child the way you can.” Melanie also recalls a conversation in which the person stated that at the end of our time on earth, we will be required to give an account to God for our lives, and for how we‘ve raised our children. She decided then that she wanted to be fully accountable for the outcome of her children.

Although Melanies’ principles were steadfast, the shock of the financial sacrifice still occurred. The intense longing to do what God wanted her to do is what she considered the “driving force” which held her afloat during the initial lifestyle shift. She knew that by surrendering some things like a new wardrobe, brand-new cars, cable, and restaurant- frequenting-she would be gaining something much more valuable in return. She and her husband became accustomed to the change in time.

Melanie has never discovered a need to seek outside employment in her years of parenting. She believes this is due to their family’s ability to “live within our means.” She has intermittently cared for children in temporary situations, and may hold a garage sale a few times a year.

Melanie and Ed have committed themselves to living within Ed’s salary. She and her husband continue to make their plan a success by not utilizing credit, paying cash for purchases (even vehicles), and managing every penny they earn wisely. Melanie views these things as “something we should be doing anyway” as responsible stewards of our resources, and not just because she is an at-home mom.

Relying on God for His promised provision has been a big part of the lives of Melanies’ family. God has continued to abundantly bless the family with everything from bags of clothing for the children, to brand-new dishwashers (generously paid for by others). Melanie states that she has hardly ever had to buy any clothing other than the occasional undergarment for the kids. Due to the generosity of caring family members during holidays, their family has never had a need to buy toys either.

Pressure from others to have a career has been a presence in Melanies’ life. Because she holds a degree in elementary education, some view it as a waste of the college time to stay home with the children. Others who may not have chosen to stay home with their children can occasionally infringe on Melanies’ parenting choices with comments inspired by a jealous spirit. She chooses to spend most of her time around “exhorters” and “encouragers”-making a mental note from the Psalms-not to be counseled by the ungodly.

Melanies’ advice to other moms who are considering a leap in her direction is to definitely pray beforehand, getting into agreement with your husband, making a budget, cutting back your spending, and to find a good book or seasoned mentor to guide your steps along the way. She encourages moms to be open to doing things differently than what they are used to-saying that she and her husband were once just like everyone else-but simply made a decision to be different and to make parenting a priority-you can too!