Wow. I know how you feel. I will be married 3 years come next week and I've come a long way...but I still feel the sting of "what people think".

I agree with the other comment about knowing your worth. You are doing so much and what you do is very important! Wow... you could go to work and make lots of money, but last time I checked that is valued time away from caring for your family, raising healthy kids (mentally & physically speaking), and making a happy home. Money buys things, but money doesn't love or do anything else.

I tried to launch my freelance career in response and to defend against the ignorance people ( some family & friends ) showed me about not punching the allmighty timeclock. I ended up more stressed then ever and taking on too much mentally. I was placing my worth in contributing monetarily to the household and neglecting it in the process.

I finally realized that what we SAHW do is really important even if we don't have a side gig bringing in some cash. WE ARE the CEO's of our own "businesses". We manage many departments! Think about... it Homemakers are: Nutritionist, cooks, accountants, investment brokers, Event coordinators... you name it.

You could always turn the tables on them. Let them know how happy you are that you are THERE FOR YOUR HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. You are closer and have a better relationship with them compared to Moms or wives that work.

I'm blessed to be able to stay home and I know that my husband and I have a better relationship because of it. He takes care of me and I take care of him (freelancing comes second from now on - I put that into proper perspective!).