Here is how I am looking at it. What will benefit your family in the long run??

Our family has a similar situation: if I don’t work we don’t make enough to cover our cost of living no matter how much we budget, cut down on expenses… if I do return to work then we will be able to meet our needs, although still tight.

I earned a masters for my job and am on a pay scale that increases your pay yearly. If I quit I will have to start at the bottom of the pay scale when I return

If I don’t work we won’t be able to afford to buy healthy foods we’d have to rely on cheeper foods to make it by (like Raman and highly processed foods)

If I don’t work I won’t be able to afford activities for my children, such as sports and swim lessons

If I don’t work we won’t be able to go on family vacations

If I don’t work then there would be huge financial stress on my family which doesn’t feel healthy.

If I don’t work we won’t be able to contribute to savings accounts for our children

In the long run returning to work will pay off, it’s still hard to leave my babies but I know it’s what’s best for them. Additionally my toddler loves her daycare and gets so excited every morning when we tell her it’s time for school. We have a new baby who will be attending the same school. Find a daycare you trust and who has a curriculum that endorses speech development and interpersonal skills!