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Raising children? Have to deal with someone else's? Considering a family?Let's talk kids!Claudia Quigg hosts this weekly reflection on best practices, experiences, and research related to child rearing and parenting. Thursdays at 12:50 PM and 7:50 PM

Let's Talk Kids - "When Less Is More"

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NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Megan and Tom are bucking a trend with their own courageous path.  For years they worked to climb the career ladder in order to qualify for a mortgage that would support the HGTV-worthy dream home they envisioned.

After moving into their dream home with their three little girls, they realized that the two salaries required to pay the mortgage on this palace were costing them more than they could afford in quality of life. They saw their own unhappiness as well as the cost to their family, with little time to be together in the evenings by the time everyone got home from school and child care.

So they made a rather drastic change.  Megan stepped out of her career, choosing to stay home full time.  They sold their house and moved into a home with half the space (and mortgage). They also traded in their luxury automobiles for modest used cars.  

They chose to simplify their lives at a time when their availability to their children seems more essential than a grandiose lifestyle.  It was a hard conclusion to reach, but since they made the decision, they both feel a powerful sense of relief to be out from under the burden of their financial obligations.

They recognize they’re fortunate to have a choice, understanding that for many families having one parent stay home is simply not an option.  And they also realize that this decision is not a permanent one.  When their kids are a bit older, Megan looks forward to rejoining the work force in time to help send those kids to college and enjoy her own professional challenges.  

For now, they’re more fulfilled by the positive balance in their bank accounts than they ever were by the opulence of their home.  They also love that not being strapped financially has opened up some new options for them, like supporting their favorite charity and planning a family vacation.

Sometimes the effort required to maintain a very high standard of living reduces our ability for actually living.  Megan and Tom understand that, and while their family may have stepped down a rung in their standard of living, they’ve attained new heights in their quality of life.
 

Claudia Quigg is the Executive Director of Baby TALK and writes the Let's Talk Kids parenting segment and column that honor the expertise parents have about their own children and explores issues that are universal for families. From toilet training and sibling rivalry to establishing family values, Claudia Quigg provides thoughtful and accessible insights that are meaningful to families' needs.
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