The Case For Staying Home

(7 of 7)

On-ramps, slow lanes, flexible options and respect for all such pathways can't come soon enough for mothers eager to set examples and offer choices for the next generation. Terri Laughlin, 38, a stay-at-home mom and former psychology professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, was alarmed a few weeks ago when her daughters Erin, 8, and Molly, 6, announced their intentions to marry men "with enough money so we can stay at home." Says Laughlin: "I want to make sure they realize that although it's wonderful staying at home, that's only one of many options. What I hope to show them is that at some point I can re-create myself and go back to work."

--With reporting by Esther Chapman/Omaha, Wendy Cole and Kristin Kloberdanz/Chicago, Sarah Sturmon Dale/Minneapolis, Julie Rawe/New York, Betsy Rubiner/Des Moines, Sonja Steptoe/Los Angeles and Deirdre van Dyk/Arlington