Formychildren, I cannot relate exactly to you, but I have young children and I am a working spouse with a stay-at-home-spouse. What ages are your children? Mine are between 4 and a few months, but what I have noticed is that from 1 year or 18 months the children seem to enjoy interacting with other kids for at least part of the day. If your wife isn't safe to look after the children right now, then a good daycare is the way to go (or if you can, call in friends and family). HAving your children looked after safely is more important than covering up for your wife, or saving money on childcare.