So ladies, I'm going for it. I'm leaving my job to be a full-time mom of my four year old and two year old. I didn't mind working when they were young, but I've found that they need me more now. So a question: how was it moving from working to staying at home? Any suggestions? Should I still keep up with my industry? And how long do I give myself to really get used to the idea?

my opinion is keep up with the industry and it takes a long time to get used to it all.. and my only suggestion is to schedule a girls day or adult time day once a week or every other or it will strain you

Thanks Lesha. The truth is, I loved my job but I was working to pay for my child care. I know that there were some days when I was just happy to walk out the door and leave the kids in someone else's hands, but it's been hard to justify it, and frankly, I'm feelking like I'm missing too much. I've been telling myself that it's only for a few years, but I've heard that it always tends to be longer than you ever expect. Anyone find that to be true?

I agree that you will need to schedule in time for yourself on a regular basis and also time with girlfirends or you might become stressed out. Being a full time at home mom does not allow for many breaks at all, so you need to make sure you find a way to give yourself breaks and necessary time to do things that renew you.

I've been home already for 9 years and so I can say it can end up being longer than you originally expect it would be! But, I find as my children get older, they still need me but just in different ways and I want to be here for them as much as possible.

I applaud your decision to be home more with your kids. You won't regret it. It goes by so fast and they grow up so fast!

Thanks Gretchen. You bring up a really excellent point, because it almost feels counter-intuitive: why do we feel like our kids need us as they grow older? I mean because my kids are starting to enter school full-day, but I know they need me more. It's not just about homework - mine are too young - but I think it's about the emotional needs, too. And what about just being involved? Not to start a so-called "mommy war" debate, but I want to be a class teacher and I want to get to PTA meetings, too. I was always concerned that there was a real stigma btwn moms who stay home and moms who work. I'm not sure if I'm fully prepared for switching teams, but what's the real argument for kids needing you more as they grow up?

I don't know that there's a "real argument" for kids needing you more as they grow up. I"ve just found that my children need me as they grow older for the very fact that there is a lot they go thru being in school with all the "social dramas", the hard school work, etc. It is just my preference to be here as much as possible for them. Obviously, a mother does not have to be home all day long while their kids are at school all day long. . I think working mothers can be there as much as at home mothers. It's about quality time with kids and not quantity. I have absolutely no opinion either way. Just feel that for me, it works to stay home, but if I had to go to work, I'd be ok with it.

It's a personal choice of what works best from mother to mother for herself and her family in being home or in working outside the home. Take care!