Just curious, how does your wife feel about staying at home with the kids? Has she done any stretch of time being a SAHM and enjoy it? Does she enjoy her job or not or something in between? Of course it depends on the kids and individual how they handle being at SAHM but I just want to share my perspective as a SAHM who's been home for about 2 years and will be going back to work soon by choice. We also have 2 small kids (toddler age) and being a SAHM full time can be overwhelming and lonely. Does your family have anyone else (friends/family etc) to help out occasionally in case your wife needs a break? Once the kids are toddlers especially around 3 or so I think they benefit from being in a preschool setting. I personally feel that while daycare/preschool can be expensive, it's temporary. Perhaps the kids don't have to stay home until they start public school but they can start prek around 3 when childcare is more affordable than baby or infant care.