I feel like you are talking about ME a year ago. I became a homemaker when my son was 11. I had worked since he was a baby, but finally was in the financial situation to choose whether to work or not. I didn't have to think twice about what I wanted to do, but I kept getting caught up on what everyone else thought I should do. Even though no one criticized me openly, society in general is no longer supportive of stay at home Mom's. HOWEVER....My son's grades in school have improved, he is able to be involved in more activities, and his relationship with me is much more open since I have more time to listen and he knows I am always here for him. The quality-of-life improvement for the family is something I would never even consider exchanging for 60 thousand $ a year again. We may not move into a bigger house anytime soon and we may not take a family vacation 3 times a year, but it is SO worth it! I have been repainting and repairing the house as well as cooking just about every meal, every day at home. My son is a picky eater no more! I enjoy my new status as house chef. Both my son and my husband appreciate what I do for them and my husband is so tickled with all the changes being made to the house. He keeps exclaiming how much I am SAVING us by being at home and how I am increasing the value of our home which we plan to sell in about 6 years. I do go through some periods when I feel guilty for not bringing any income into the home, but I talk openly about it with my husband and we go over the what if's(what if I were working again). Every single time we conclude that my role at home is priceless and we shouldn't change a thing. I encourage you to just do it! You can have an amazing impact right now on changing the course of your family's future!