Is it a good idea for both the husband and wife to work full-time when there is a small child?
Question:
Hi brother Jeffrey,
I have a full-time job and my wife would like to work outside the home and let our 3-year old child be taken care of by a maid. But I read Titus 2:5 that women are to be keepers at home. Are we sinning if we proceed with our plan that my wife work outside the home?
Answer:
"That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed" (Titus 2:4-5).
The Greek word oikourgos is a compound word meaning "house" (oikos) and "work" (ergon). The home is the wife's responsibility in the family. It doesn't mean she can't earn income outside of the home, but an external job is not an excuse for neglecting duties. External work should be seen as volunteering to add extra responsibilities.
It has long been known that children raised by people who are not their biological parents don't do as well in the long run. There are times when it can't be avoided. The extra income might be needed or the woman may be the only one able to provide for the family. Yet sometimes people chase after things when the best answer is simply to do with less so more time is available to bring up children. "Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred" (Proverbs 15:16-17). Children thrive best on love and not wealth.
Because the cost of quality child care is so high, it has been noted that often a family does better financially with the wife being at home when the children are there. If it is possible, I would recommend waiting until the child is in school before seeking additional work.
