I want to toss into this discussion that being an at-home mom is the most demanding, noble job anyone can do. I, too was one, and I have also worked (after my kids were grown). Working is much easier...I could leave when I left, I wasn't up nights, and I got paid. Plus I had a lot of other people to help me do the work.
That at-home moms are not celebrated in our society and given financial freedom (credit, etc.) is sickening.