Well i always thought 'Bollocks! I'd rather be spending it on me!!!!' Seriously, you need to look at the benefits- write them down if it helps: You will be an excellent role model for your dcs, foster their independence, no danger of you sitting at home with low self esteem and depression cos you've been out of the workplace so long that you can't face returning when dcs are older, you're providing them with a chance to interact with other adults, babies and toddlers, you'll be able to genuinely have an equal role with your partner rather than falling into traditional roles of stay-at-home/go-to-work. See, doesn't look so bad after all?! Oh and finally, you'll feel SO RICH when they finally start school and you're just paying for each and of the day plus holiday care!