[Quila]

Unfortunately, what stay-at-home moms would love to have is probably what Germany has -- and most would consider it socialist. You get several weeks before birth (more if the doctor says it's necessary) and I believe three months after birth, not at full pay IIRC. Both company and the health insurance company pick up the tab.

As further incentive to be a stay at home mom in the early years, there is something called Erziehungsurlaub, where the mother (or father) can stay at home for three years, with about $300/month (less or nothing if income is high enough so that the family can afford a stay at home parent anyway) from the government to help cover the job loss and health insurance coverage. After this, the kid's expected to be in Kindergarten and the parent is supposed to go back to work because at three years the benefits stop.

[Utah Girl]

My sisters who are stay-at-home moms would have heart seizures if they were subsidized by the government for staying at home. They all have part-time jobs for the extras (one is a labor and delivery nurse who works one night a week, one corrects restaurant reviews at home for about 15 hours a week, and one is a substitute teacher who works once a week.)

I hear the drumbeat coming for the government to step in and pay for longer maternity leave (up to a year), and subsidizing mothers, etc. The only thing that accomplishes is more governmental interference and higher taxes. Just lower taxes so that more mothers can stay at home with their kids and it isn't necessary for them to work. Simple solution. :)

[ventana]

I would NEVER want what Germany has. Because then the state would completely have me, and it's intrusive enough already. I am a stay-at-home Mom. V's wife.