I have played both fields and I can honestly say that the children have benefited much more with me staying home. And I mean staying home. There is rarely a day that I am not home when my children arrive. And it has come at a sacrifice, but looking back the years over, I wouldn't change a thing.

I was a single mother and needed to work. I was told I had a stressful job. I never noticed it, because it was a lot easier than being Mom/Dad all day. Since getting married over 14 years ago, I have been a stay-at-home Mom. I went the first 6 years of my marriage without access to a vehicle and during the day, was "stuck" at home. I didn't spend my hours in front of the T.V. I spent the time playing with my children. We would make tent homes in the house. We would go outside and ride bikes together.. there's even pictures of me on a tricycle! We lived in FL at the time and had a pool in the backyard, so we spent many hours there. We baked together. We did laundry together. We read together. Even after life allowed us to get a second car, I didn't go running around. I saw no point to children being in play groups, etc... I felt that the children needed time to play and be themselves. No real structure other than the rules of the house, which existed and were enforced. These years are very critical in raising the future generations of our nation.

The time came when money was very tight and I would have gone back to work, but my husband felt that we needed to make sure I stayed home. It was a big sacrifice, but I'm sure all four of my children would agree they have enjoyed knowing Mom would be home when they walked through the door. Recently, my 18 year old told me she was glad I have been the mother I've been. Whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on, mine is always there. She will STILL crawl up and sit on my lap when she needs the comfort only Mommy can give and she is EXTREMELY independent.

Recently someone commented on how close my children are to me. They said it is very evident that they all love me. They have known me and ONLY me as Mom. And just as we adults need stability in our lives, children need it too and what greater stablility in knowing Mommy will be there if you need her? All too often I hear women complain to me about being lucky I can stay home, but our vacations aren't to FL or to Bermuda. Our vacations are in our backyard usually. And I mean literally our backyard! Once in a while we'll drive to visit my parents

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