I want to say right from the beginning that I understand there are circumstances where it is extremely hard—or even impossible—for a mother to stay home with her children. But I also know it is possible for many families, including some who are considered low-income. I’d like to share my personal story and some practical ways we made it work.
My husband and I were very young when we started our family. We each had a child from previous relationships, and I was pregnant with our third child at just 24 years old. Neither of us had high-paying jobs, and at that point, staying home full-time didn’t seem realistic.
Those were some of the hardest years of my life.
But I knew in my heart that I didn’t want to put my baby in daycare. For me, it simply wasn’t an option. So we found another way. I worked weekends doing housekeeping, which actually paid better than my hourly job at the time. It wasn’t easy, but it kept us afloat.
I didn’t always make perfect decisions as a young mother, but I will never regret staying home with my children—especially when they were babies. Money was incredibly tight, but for me, the cost of childcare—and the cost of not raising my own children—felt even higher.
I was determined to make it work.
I will say this honestly: living on a tight budget is often easier when your children are very young than when they get older. So here are some of the biggest ways we stretched our budget and made staying home possible.
Breastfeed if You Can
Breastfeeding can save a significant amount of money—often an estimated $760 to $2,280 or more.
I know many young mothers feel discouraged because of a lack of support, but I want to encourage you: you can do it. Gather resources, find local or online breastfeeding support groups, and seek encouragement. Support can make a huge difference in your journey.
Use Cloth Diapers (Even Part-Time)
When I was a young, overwhelmed mother, I didn’t use cloth diapers full-time—but even using them sometimes, especially at home, helped save money.
Many cloth diapers can be bought secondhand, and while the upfront cost can seem high, they often save much more in the long run—especially if you plan to have more children. I also found peace of mind knowing that when money was especially tight, I always had diapers available.
Shop Secondhand Whenever Possible
This was one of our biggest money-savers.
Baby and children’s clothing lots can often be found for cents on the dollar. While trendy clothes can be tempting, practicality matters when you’re trying to live on one income.
And if you plan to have more children, save quality clothes, sort them by size, and label bins clearly. Future you will be grateful.
Buy Whole Food Ingredients and Cook From Scratch
Many people assume whole ingredients are more expensive, but they often save money because they can be used for multiple meals.
For example:
A $4 can of biscuits may last one meal.
A $6 bag of flour can make multiple batches.
Some affordable staples include:
- Ground beef (often stretches far)
- Eggs
- Rice
- Beans
- Pasta
- Potatoes
- Oats
- Flour
- Butter
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Fruits and vegetables
- Herbs and spices
I often shopped sales and planned meals around what was discounted. YouTube can also be a fantastic free resource for learning how to cook and bake from scratch.
If organic food matters to you but isn’t always affordable, consider focusing on the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen.”
Dry Clothes on a Clothesline
Using a clothesline can reduce electricity costs and help your clothes last longer.
You also don’t need every laundry extra marketed to families. Bulk detergent is often enough. Sunlight naturally helps whiten clothes and reduce bacteria—and there’s truly nothing like the smell of line-dried laundry.
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Simple ingredients can go a long way:
- Vinegar for windows
- Rubbing alcohol for glass
- Peroxide for toilets
- Baking soda and borax for scrubbing
- Soap and water for most surfaces
You don’t need expensive specialty cleaners to keep a home clean.
Find Simple, Joyful Ways to Have Fun at Home
Children often don’t need expensive entertainment.
Some of the best childhood memories are made with:
- Mud
- Water
- Rocks
- Sticks
- Flowers
- Art supplies
Dollar stores often carry affordable craft items, and simple presence often matters more than elaborate activities.
Use Community Resources
Libraries were a huge blessing for my family.
They often offer:
- Story times
- Crafts
- Educational programs
- Cooking classes
- Free books and media
Parks, nature preserves, and local events can also provide wonderful free or low-cost experiences.
Grow What You Can
Even a small garden can help reduce grocery costs.
You don’t need fancy raised beds—pots on a porch can still produce herbs, tomatoes, or other favorites. Start simple, grow what your family actually eats, and preserve extra when possible.
Connect With Local Farmers
Sometimes local farmers have surplus produce they’re willing to sell cheaply—or even give away. Building those relationships can be incredibly helpful.
Buy in Bulk When It Truly Saves
For our family, stores like Costco or Sam’s Club often helped reduce costs on essentials. Bulk buying isn’t always cheaper, but for staples, it often can be.
Final Thoughts
Staying home with your children is not always easy, and it often requires sacrifice, creativity, and careful budgeting.
But for me, it has always been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
I got to witness their firsts. I got to know they were safe. I got to be present.
If staying home is something you’re even slightly considering, I encourage you to thoughtfully explore the possibility. It may require living differently, budgeting carefully, and giving up certain luxuries—but the time you invest in your children is something you can never get back. For many families, it may just be one of the greatest gifts you can give.