When I bought my modest house, in 1992, it cost 3 and one half times my gross income. It may seem strange, but that was a rather poor income at that time. I now earn much more and am doing quite well. Only part of this is because I have no mortgage.

Now my house is worth nearly 6 times my gross! Anyone who thinks that young couples should just do without to stay at home with their kids, just can't do the math.

Sometimes the choice to stay home is NOT about the money. Our choice to have me stay home is for the sake of our children. We feel that for the first few years of life, that having a parent at home is essential. Not everyone feels this way, and I don't judge people who have to use day-care, or choose to use day-care. It's just not for us.

I'm not saying it's easy, or that it's for everyone...because I was never a "baby person", older kids are more my speed, and it's been hard for me to learn to enjoy some things about staying home. Finding ways to keep my brain active has been challenging. There are days I wish I could call in sick.

But, over all, I have to say, I'm loving being a stay-at-home mom...all the absurd occurances have made for terrific blog entries. Being in charge of the budget has been exciting and challenging...just seeing how cheap I can be, is kind of fun. Being the one who did the bulk of the potty training was a challenge...but an accomplishment I'm proud of. Yes, there are vexations, and smells, and disgusting aspects of it...but there's also the cuddles, and the snugs, and the first steps. I didn't miss a thing.

I've realized that these little ones grow up so fast...and these 10 years or so, that I'm home with them is going to be gone before I know it. So, when I'm 40, I'll get back to my career, and work again, finances won't be as snug...but I will always have their childhood to treasure. And I might even miss this time...sitting in my sweats, while the kids are napping (when they do nap), and swapping opinions online.

But sometimes "doing the math" involves working parents calculating how much they are willing to dish out to nannies, babysitters or daycare, especially if there are multiple young kids in the family. At the end of the day, there might be a lot of stress from juggling career, school runs and family life, little quality time with the children, and little savings to make working out of the home worth it.

There are really many factors to consider and each family's situation is different.

THAT IS totally ridiculous. My husband and I make a pretty decent salary combined. Our house is tiny and crappy, we only have one car we pay for and WE NEVER buy anything for ourselves. I CAN DO MATH and two incomes are essential. Unless we starting eating grass and cut off the electricity, maybe i could stay home then.