> I agree - but have seen many families have to make this choice, as having too big a gap in your CV (to look after their kids) will impact there employability

> I agree - but have seen many families have to make this choice, as having too big a gap in your CV (to look after their kids) will impact there employability down the line. This is true, but does raise a couple of obvious points. First, if there are implied future earnings returns from working with young child, those ought to be factored into the calculations for returns to work in the OP (with appropriate caveats about possible cashflow problems). Secondly, should it be affecting future employability? The few career paths where absolute commitment to work and track record of continuous improvement and networking seem absolutely necessary signals (like trying to make partner at an accountancy or law firm) tend to pay pretty well anyway. Other career paths should - in theory at least - be less contingent on continuity, or even offer realistic opportunities to continue to work or use work related skills part time and remotely.