I have been called selfish by a working mom before because I don't contribute financially. Well, like my husband says..."You contribute in ways of the heart and that is much more important than money will ever be!" YES, I HAVE A GOOD MAN! :)

I say if you can do it, and want to do it, go for it! But, don't judge those of us who are working. I know that I am not a bad parent and that my son is very lucky to have a close relationship with both me and his father. I often feel like mothers who stay at home with their children think they are better mothers than those like me - even though I know they would never admit it, they imply it in everything they say. It's all about what's doing best for YOUR family. Even when my son has had to go to daycare, I know that I am not letting strangers raise him and I know that I have not abandoned him.

I'd love to stay at home with my boy, but I'd like for him to have a home to live in!

After three years of finally being at home, I am much happier than I thought I'd be. I am getting used to being in charge of running my home, caring for my child, and managing my time. The hardest part was being social, since my friends were all still working. I have found I don't need nearly as much social interaction as I thought, and that there are soo many wonderful moms at community center indoor parks, library storytimes, and moms I've just 'run into'.

Being a housewife is something ANY woman can do. There's all those rumors that some women are just better at a 9 to 5 job, but it's a load of hooey! In fact, women who are good at work DO have some trouble adjusting to home life, but in the end turn out to be better than those of us who were 'naturals' at it later on. Home work is challenging and requires creativity, ingenuity, loads of intelligence, and patience. These are all qualities that women are best at---and women who excel at their jobs have in abundance. I would say that if you are having a hard time adjusting, stick it out!

Remember, there have been hundreds of thousands of books written on child-rearing and to this day nobody can really tell you what you're supposed to be doing with children! Once you've freed yourself from those confines, staying home becomes fun, rewarding, and the best years of your life!