“Ideally women shouldn't even be working.” Agreed. Unfortunately, the way our society and economy has been manipulated, most of us can’t live like we did in the 50’s. To become middle class or upper middle class - and retain that tier - usually requires both parents to work anymore. I’m about to get married in the next year likely, and we’ve discussed child rearing and stay at home motherhood. It’s ideal and what we’d prefer. We’re just not sure we’ll be able to financially. I’m busting my ass and make decent money ($175k/year), but inflation and everything else considered (taxes, saving for retirement, house, college fund, etc. etc.), that money doesn’t go as far as one might think. To live like they did in the 50’s, I think the guy needs to take home around $250k/year at least..and if things keep going the direction they’re moving now, that number will only increase. We’ve got a tentative plan for her to work from home (which I already do), but it will require her to change careers totally and so she will likely take a pay cut to start over in another industry.