As wonderful as it would be if this were not the case, this decision is often based on financial considerations rather than emotional and developmental considerations. Here are some questions that might help guide your decision:

Are both jobs paying off?

A job is more than just income. It also includes expenses. There are various expenses related to transportation. You may eat out much more when working. And -- most significantly -- you will need to pay for childcare while you are at work. Add up all of these work-related expenses to figure out how much you would really lose by staying home. It may not be as big a loss as you thought.

Can you afford not to work?

Subtract your income and work-related expenses from your budget. If that produces a deficit, see if you can cut any expenses but keep your savings as high as possible.

If you need to start scrimping, it's best to start slowly. Reduce expenses while you continue to work and move the extra to your savings. Eventually, you may trim expenses -- and bulk up your savings -- enough to justify quitting your job. Even if you can't, you will have learned to live more simply and have saved up some money in the process.

What are the emotional costs?

Some parents can't wait to get back to work after maternity or parental leave. As beautiful and enjoyable as the parent-child relationship is, it can become a bit overwhelming. Parents often yearn for the company and conversation of another adult, the satisfaction of working and the structure of a regular day at the office. If you decide to be a stay-at-home parent, make sure you receive the stimulation you need by getting out of the house once in a while, spending time with friends or arranging for a trusted babysitter to come in periodically for relief.

On the other hand, many parents feel guilty leaving their child at daycare and have a hard time going back to work. They fear that the decision to put career over family means that they aren't good parents. But happy parents make the best parents. So if working and coming home to spend quality time with your child feels better to you than scrimping to spend 24 stressed hours a day at home, then the answer to your dilemma is clear.