My wife and I met at USC where we both went to architecture school. She is a licensed architect and accredited in LEED (TM) sustainable design. We both worked for others for a while and then started our own practice. Before we had children that was the natural progression of things.

When our first child was born she reduced her hours from about 35 hours a week to about 30. When the second was born she further reduced her hours and by the time the third was born she was working about 18 hours a week. Eventually she decided to stay at home and manage the household full time. She also works in the community, reads avidly and has time to expand her religious interests. She prefers that to the trials and tribulations of the business world.

She enjoyed being an architect, but she hated business. I thrive in both, although there is much to do in business that is not rewarding. Our youngest is eleven, and my wife may return to work when it pleases her. There was a time when her contribution to the family income made a difference, but that time has long since past.

The new book "The Feminine Mistake" weighs in by trying to make the case that mothers assume too much of a financial and career risk if they stay at home to raise the kids. I think this is ridiculous!