My DH says that if it wasn't for me being at home and helping our lives run relatively smoothly then he wouldn't be able to work as hard as he does in his job. He says that other men in his office have to take time off to help with the kids (when they are sick etc) because their wives are working. So my DH's earning capacity is increased as he achieves targets more easily than those men do... and my DH gets the bonus... $17,000 last year alone. He also has less time away from the office because of illness compared to when we were both working. Anyhow, DH considers it a definate "asset" for me to be at home while the kids are young... thankfully he reminds me daily that half his income is "mine". I've heard of a lot of men pressuring their wives to re-enter the workforce even though their children are very young... despite it not really helping financially... I think those men are just kidding themselves... maybe they should consider doing home duties themselves then they would realise us SAHMs don't have the easy ride that they think we do!