Two paychecks are needed because they live in a 2000 sq. ft. home, own two cars, eat out a lot, have computers, TV's, cable, internet access, etc. If people lived more modestly, they could make it on one paycheck.
In certain parts of the country, yes. I think that is the ideal situation, especially for parents with kids.
So, what should they live in tiny homes with no tvs, internet, etc. That's not living the high life. My friend and her husband do not live extravagantly, but since homes are so expensive, as well as everything else, they both have to work. They drive older cars to get the kids around and to get to work. They have college to save for, retirement.
It's not like the old days when the cost of living allowed a family to live on one paycheck. People aren't going to live like Quakers.
It's not about the children, it's about living the "high life." Geez....I guess you aren't always right after all. ; 0
Interesting though, is that mothers who stay home are concentrated in the top 5% of household incomes and the bottom 25% meaning that living in a 2000 plus sq. ft. home and isn't an issue. I do however think eating out costs much more than most people wnat to realize.