Moms Talk Q&A: Is a Mother's Place at Home or Work?

Today's economic conditions make it very difficult for many families to survive on just one income.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 69.6 percent of married mothers worked outside the home in 2009, with many families relying even more on their income during the recession that forced more husbands to the unemployment line.

However, some members of the newly elected Frederick County Board of County Commissioners questioned whether a mother's place should be at work or at home caring for the children.

The board voted two weeks ago to cut Frederick County's entire $2.3 million share of Head Start preschool program, about half of the program's budget. The cuts were made to help the county close an $11.8 million deficit. According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, at least two commissioners said it was preferable for a woman to stay at home.

"I'd just like to say I had four kids that graduated from Frederick County public schools," County Commissioner Kirby Delauter was quoted in the article. "My wife, college-educated, could go out and get a very good job. She gave that up for 18 years so she could stay home with our kids. We had to give up a lot to do that. ... I never relied on anyone else to guarantee the education of my kids."

How difficult is it for a mother to stay home in today's economic climate? For those that do work, do you feel any guilt?

For those that stay home, how do you manage financially? What tips could you offer other mothers that wish to do the same thing?