"Stay@home: Navigating Parenting in New Zealand"

In the fast-paced world of today, the role of stay-at-home parents in New Zealand is undergoing a profound transformation. Once considered the norm, choosing to stay at home with your children has become a minority choice, raising concerns about the potential impact on the well-being of the next generation.

According to Nathan Wallis, a neuroscience educator and child development specialist, the shift away from stay-at-home parenting is a significant societal change. In the last 50 years, the number of parents opting to stay at home has steadily declined, presenting challenges and concerns for the future. Wallis points out that this decline may contribute to a generation of children grappling with heightened levels of anger and anxiety.

Statistics from Stats NZ in June 2020 reveal that only 12.7% of individuals not in the labor force reported their main activity as looking after a child. This is a notable drop from 21.1% in 1986, indicating a shift in priorities and lifestyle choices. Experts attribute this decline to several factors, including improvements in gender equality, increased tertiary education among women, higher labor force participation, and the rising costs associated with raising children in New Zealand.

The financial aspect is a crucial factor in this evolution. Paul Spoonley, a professor at Massey University, suggests that economic considerations play a significant role. The cost of living has outpaced the rise in household income, making it increasingly challenging for families to survive on a single income. In major centers like Auckland, where the cost of buying a house is now nine times the average salary, many parents feel compelled to join the workforce to make ends meet.

However, the decision to return to work isn't solely an economic one. Nicola Hunter, a Taranaki-based mother of two, shares her experience of transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to re-entering the workforce. After her first child, Daisy, she initially planned to stay home for a year but extended it due to postnatal depression and anxiety. Eventually, she decided to return to work after her second child, Lucy, arrived, seeking a balance between personal fulfillment and parenting.

Hunter's story illustrates the internal struggles faced by many stay-at-home parents. The societal shift towards dual-income households often undervalues the role of those who choose to dedicate themselves to raising their children. The lack of recognition and societal pressure can make the decision to stay at home a challenging one, with individuals feeling compelled to justify their choice.

In a society where the first 1000 days of a child's life are deemed critical for development, the decline in stay-at-home parenting raises questions about the potential long-term consequences. Research indicates that children benefit significantly from having a parent at home during this crucial period, shaping lifelong habits and fostering emotional well-being.

As New Zealand continues to navigate the evolving landscape of parenting, striking a balance between economic necessity and the well-being of the next generation remains a challenge. The stories of stay-at-home parents like Nicola Hunter highlight the complex decision-making process individuals face, emphasizing the need for a broader societal dialogue on the value and recognition of parenting in its various forms.

Here are some tips for stay-at-home parents in New Zealand (and beyond).

1. Build a Support System: Encourage stay-at-home parents to connect with local parenting groups, both online and offline. Building a support system with other parents who understand the challenges can provide a valuable network for advice, shared experiences, and emotional support.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of self-care. Remind parents that taking care of themselves is crucial for their well-being and, by extension, the well-being of their children. This includes finding time for hobbies, exercise, and moments of relaxation.

3. Financial Planning: Offer tips on budgeting and financial planning. Managing finances on a single income or transitioning back to work can be challenging, so providing resources or advice on creating a budget can help alleviate some of the financial stress.

4. Explore Flexible Work Options: For parents considering re-entering the workforce, suggest exploring flexible work options. Part-time or remote work arrangements can provide a balance between professional responsibilities and the desire to be present for their children.

5. Embrace Technology: Recommend utilizing technology to stay connected. Video calls, messaging apps, and social media can help stay-at-home parents maintain connections with friends, family, and support networks, reducing feelings of isolation.

6. Celebrate Achievements: Remind parents to celebrate their achievements, big and small. Whether it's successfully managing a challenging day or accomplishing personal goals, acknowledging these victories contributes to a positive mindset.

7. Educational Activities at Home: Provide ideas for educational activities that can be done at home. Engaging children in creative and educational pursuits not only supports their development but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.

8. Effective Time Management: Offer time management tips for balancing household responsibilities, personal time, and quality time with children. Efficiently organizing daily tasks can contribute to a more harmonious and less stressful home environment.

9. Advocate for the Value of Parenting: Encourage stay-at-home parents to advocate for the value of their role. Remind them that choosing to be a stay-at-home parent is a valid and important decision, contributing significantly to the well-being and development of their children.

10. Stay Informed about Resources: Keep parents informed about available resources and support services in New Zealand. Whether it's government assistance programs, parenting workshops, or local community services, staying informed can help parents access the support they may need.

Here are some ideas for stay-at-home mums to make passive income at home while leveraging their skills:

1. Freelance Writing: If a mom has strong writing skills, she can consider freelance writing. There are various platforms where she can offer her writing services for blog posts, articles, or even e-books.

2. Online Tutoring: Moms with expertise in a particular subject or skill can explore online tutoring. There are platforms where they can offer tutoring services to students of different ages.

3. Create and Sell Digital Products: Moms can create digital products like e-books, printables, or online courses based on their expertise. Platforms like Etsy or Gumroad allow them to sell these products easily.

4. Affiliate Marketing: If a mom has a blog or a social media presence, she can explore affiliate marketing. By promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale, she can generate passive income.

5. Stock Photography: Moms with photography skills can contribute to stock photo websites. Each time their photos are downloaded, they earn a royalty, providing a passive income stream.

6. Create an Online Course: If a mom is knowledgeable in a specific area, she can create and sell online courses. Platforms like Teachable or Udemy allow her to reach a global audience.

7. Blogging: Starting a blog on a topic of interest or expertise can lead to passive income through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. It requires effort upfront but can generate income over time.

8. Remote Consulting: Moms with professional expertise can offer remote consulting services. This can include anything from career advice to business consulting.

9. Sell Handmade Items on Etsy: If a mom enjoys crafting, she can create and sell handmade items on Etsy. This can include anything from jewelry to home decor.

10. Podcasting: Starting a podcast can be a creative way to share knowledge or stories. Once established, podcasts can generate income through sponsorships and advertising.

11. Virtual Assistance: Moms with organizational and administrative skills can offer virtual assistance services to businesses or entrepreneurs. This can include tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer support.

12. Print on Demand: Moms can design custom merchandise and sell it through print-on-demand services. These services handle production and shipping, allowing her to earn a profit without managing inventory.

13. Investing in Stocks or Real Estate: If a mom has some savings, she can explore passive income through investing in stocks, mutual funds, or real estate.

14. Social Media Management: Moms who are adept at social media can offer their services to businesses looking to improve their online presence. This can include content creation, scheduling posts, and engagement.

15. Remote Data Entry: Moms with strong data entry skills can explore remote data entry jobs. Many businesses outsource these tasks, offering flexibility for stay-at-home moms.