I find it very interesting how many people who say they were SAHM's actually went back to work once the children were either firmly established in primary school, or when they went on to secondary education.
When my were very young, I met a lady who had two pre-schoolers and two in the mid - late teens. Her older ones were doing brilliantly and I asked what she recommended and was surprised with her reply.
'Anyone who cares' she told me ' can look after a baby and even a toddler parents, g.parents, professionals in nursery,etc. Unlikely to have any sort of bad impact on baby. However, it is when they become teenagers that it is important to have a parent at home, able to give them time, whenever they are appear to want it. No use, when your teenager comes to say they want to talk about something to say 'Ok, in a moment, when I have peeled the potatoes, done the washing, answered this work call' -that is slamming the door in their face. So,' she concluded', 'work if you wish to and must during their earlier chidlhood, but try to be there at home during those early teenage years'.
Stayed with me what she said, and I was there for all of mine until they left home for Uni -and must say, that there was a lot in it - the very sudden demands on my time as teenagers did need to be met immediately.
Life was difficult in our home during most of their teenage years, my marriage was breaking apart, hubbie was so very bitter about his illness and taking it out on all of use. Money non-existent. But, I am glad I managed to stay around for them - did odd jobs, ironing, free paper deliveries, etc. etc. but always there when they were not at school. They have all turned out so very well.