Help me explain this 3 year work gap

[DoodleLally]

What should I put on application forms about a 3 year gap? When I had my son I decided not to return to work after my maternity leave ended. He was much harder work than my daughter had been, my mental health was wrecked and I was just constantly exhausted for the first 3 years of his life. Combined with a bunch of family issues and stress, I just didn't have the bandwidth to cope with work for a bit.

I thought I should put 'maternity break' but that might take the piss in terms of length and also invite discrimination by telling them I have kids? I can't pretend I was training or doing a course.

How much should I divulge if they question it a bit more at interview?

Carer for family member. Lots of women have gaps in their CVs. The sort of places that look down on you for this are the sort of places that aren’t family friendly to work for.

I would just put looking after family, any company that would discriminate based on you having kids isn’t one you want to work for.

Career break for caring responsibilities

I just put family caring commitments. Wasn't commented on

Career Break, in my sector these can be up to 5 years.