good and bad to both sides!

I have been a SAHM now for 3 1/2yrs since my daughter was born in Nov 2004.I had planned on returning to work after my maternity leave but i had post natal depression from about 1mth after the birth and my confidence was absolutely shattered.I felt too scared and self conscious to go back.Dont think my partner was pleased but i just couldnt have coped going back.In any case, it would have been difficult to get childcare (at short notice-as it had taken so long to get help and back on track),and all the money i earnt would have been chewed up paying for it.My bond with my daughter would have been worse too as someone else would have been looking after her all day and our bond had already been affeced by my illness.
We decided on having another child when our daughter was 1 1/2yrs and so our son was born in April 2007 and things were fine this time.I told my partner that i felt it's a parent's duty to look after the kids until they go to school and then go back to work (i stay hme currently,he goes to work).Admittedly we struggle at times with money, and sometimes the kids play up and I wonder why I bothered to stay at home,truth is it's an individual decision and sometimes there are other factors to consider such as health.
I personally feel i made the right decision and i know my kids are cared for how i want them to be.Ok we have to watch the pennies very closely and things take a back seat,but i dont see myself as priority anymore.As long as my kids have everything they need and more importantly LOVE,that's all that matters.They dont need fancy toys or costly outings.It helps them to understand and respect the value of money too.
The way i look at it (on forms we fill in),a housewife/househusband is one of the options under occupation and it's certainly a full time+ job.I see it that the child tax credits i get are my "earnings" as a SAHM, only thing is i'm not paid or appreciated enough for it!