Yes, yes, yes! I can SO relate to the author of this article. My husband is a nurse (read: not a really big income earner!) and I stay at home with my four children 24/7. We've even chosen to home educate! I get really, really sick of hearing how much more money the government is pumping into childcare rebates, funding for childcare centres, etc. and yet it appears it's never even enough! What about making it more financially viable for parents to stay at home with their OWN children! Governments can "say" that parents are the "first & best educators" but how about financially empowering them to actually stay home and BE that! There are plenty of people out there desperate for a job, and plenty of mothers desperate to stay home but who find it financially nonviable. I challenge all parents to consider the road less travelled though! We even sold our house so I could stay home, because the mortgage was unmangeable. Now we will no longer qualify for a first home owners bonus and will probably rent forever. But it's worth it! I will (hopefully!) have plenty of years left later on to study, find that great job etc. But for now, my kids are worth the sacrifice and I wish the government would make it easier for me to continue this choice. At least it's one less place they have to find in a childcare centre!