Did you return to work after your child was born or did you become a stay at home mom? For the guys on the board, what did your wife do? Do you think children have a better childhood if mom is home all the time?

My mother has always worked, all of her life. She has done lots for us, she works hard!

With my son born in early 2002, I went back to work (stupidly) after 6 weeks, I realize now with my little girl how many things I missed when working an 11 hour over night shift (mind you, I didn't miss the nights of crying from teething, okay maybe a little), but with my girl being born last year I swore I would be a SAHM. I love it, every day something new happens, and I am not dragging myself, trying to sleep when the baby sleeps during the day. I will never go back to work outside the house until she is at least in school. :)

I've been a stay at home mom for 3 years and am only now looking for work outside the home and only because I am no longer in a relationship with my son's dad and I am financially MURDERED. lol

I wouldn't take it back for the world though. I saw everything. His first steps, his first words, his first smile. I feel so horrible for the mothers who miss these things because they don't have a choice. The state of financial affairs in the US makes it almost impossible for low income families to have a stay at home parent. It's so unfair to the child and the mother. *clings to her son* lol I love him so much, there's no way I would ever give up the time I had with him to watch him grow.

I am a stay at home mom to my foster daughter. I love it and I plan to stay at home until she goes to school, thats when I'll get a part-time job so that I can be home when she gets home from school. I think they do have a better childhood because they don't feel neglected.

I had to go back to work after 4 months. My financial situation did not allow otherwise. I think I would have prefered to stay home a while though. The children grow so fast.

I would love to be a sahm. I was until we moved out of province. I got a part time job as a way to get away for a bit and it somehow transformed into a full time nightmare. I got a year off when my son was born (we get a full year, paid, in Canada) and I loved it so much. Unfortunately we can't afford it right now. I hope within the year to be able to quit my job.

I think that it is better if a child has at least one parent at home, ideally the mother since she has maternal instincts but the dad would be good too. It think it help to shape better lives.

I know that my mom had to go back to work but my grandmother was always around. We were never left with a babysitter. Until we were school age we were around family all the time.

My mom stayed home with me most of my childhood, but I can't say I grew up better because of it. I do think its nice to be able to stay home with your kids, but for some parents like my mom its not always worth the effort in the end, as she's a bit selfish. I'd rather she had worked so I could have gone without watching soap operas and Oprah.