Coming from a "homemaker" Possibly they would want it for more respect. In my experience it is thought of you just stay home. That there isnt a talent or job to it. Its just doing simple stuff. Perhaps they would like some validity to what they do. BTW, I dont think it would be a bad thing for parents to take childhood development and psych classes. Being a stay at home mom is one of the toughest, least aprreciated jobs there is why not let some feel that they have a job that does require some training to do well. As of now you need training and skills to do most menial office jobs however it is assumed that any one can be in charge of raising our future generations. that is ridiculous. (and no it not a sore spot with me at all
)
On the other end I know of at least one stay at home Dad. My friend has a fairly good paying job with lots of oppurtunity for advancement. her husband would not be in that position. with the cost of infant care here it would probably cost them more to have him working tan for him to get a job and send the baby to child care. It is still a new kind of arrangement but I am seeing more of it lately.