True Story: When my kids were in early years, we utilized social safety network to allow me to stay home with them.
We used medical & food benefits to supplement a miniscule ministry salary & it was *just* enough to ensure that I could be with them.
Ironically, we made this choice in large part b/c we'd had years of teaching in the conservative church about the value of women staying at home.
But as @ebruenig notes in the article this conservative teaching about family often runs afoul of conservative culture irt economics: "Staying home with your kids is fine if you can afford it, but it’s not valuable enough to warrant societal support."
All that to say, I don't regret it for one moment. Obviously, every family situation is unique & parents need to work out the best dynamic for all involved.
But it seems to me that it is a deeply *conservative* value to support the formation of families, regardless of their net worth.
One more word: If you're currently poor w/ young children w/in conservative spaces, you might feel caught btwn competing values. You might feel guilty for needing or accepting outside help.
Take it from me, ten years out: Don't feel guilty. Focus on the good work of parenting. And if you need outside help, get it. Don't waste this short, short season b/c of other people's issues.
Because it will be a season. Your children will grow. Your family needs will change. Your ability to meet them will as well. But even if it never does, the work you are doing to foster life has benefit to all of us. Do it well & go with God.
Article for reference: nytimes.com/2021/03/19/opi…
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