Before our daughter was born, my husband and I knew we didn't want her in daycare. Besides the outrageous cost, there's also sickness and violence to worry about. (Friends of ours put their dd (she's 2) in daycare. The first week, their dd got a black eye and got the flu.) Since dd's been born (she's about 3 now), we've had some misfortunes (dh got laid-off twice & injured on the job, now his work is slow), but we've managed quite nicely.

I don't understand couples when they say they both need to work. I can understand if they have a kid with cancer or something and insurance won't pick up the entire bill. But the majority of couples I know who both work are just plain materialistic. It's a lifestyle choice for them. Why can't they just own up to that truth, instead of blaming it on economy?