[Neville:] And welcome back to TALKBACK LIVE. According to the 2000 census, women are beginning to reverse a trend that's been in place since 1971. What they are doing is choosing their children over their careers. More than half 55 percent of mothers still work outside the home, but that's down from the 59 percent high in 1998. Now it may not seem like much, but there may be something to talk about here, something going on. And here to talk about it are Rebecca Hegelin vice president of communications and columnist for worldnetdaily.com. Tomorrow's column, by the way, encouraging moms to stay home is called "be a quitter." She is a mother of three children and works from home. Also with us, Sharman Stein, the articles editor for "Working Mother" magazine. She has two boys and has always worked outside the home. Hmmm. Who do we start with? Rebecca, how about with you? Tell us your story and when did you decide to stay at home?
[Rebecca Hagelin, Mother Of Three:] When I got pregnant with my first child in 1987 I decided that I was going to be with my children, that there was no greater call for a woman than to be a mother and to raise productive citizens in society. I know that children have needs that only a mom can meet and I'm committed to doing that. Mothering is a process that takes place through our whole lives once we become a mother, but there are specific formative years where we have a very limited time to influence their lives, to teach them value and virtue and unconditional love, and I'm committed to doing that. And with modern technology we can...
[Neville:] Let me ask you this, was it a difficult decision emotionally and financially to make to stay at home?
[Hagelin:] No. Not at all. I mean, to me it was never a question. I was going to be there to raise my children no matter what. Now financially there was a sacrifice. And there continues to be, even though I'm an executive with worldnetdaily.com and Internet News Company, I do give up certain things to be at home with my children full-time and work there. Now I will say with modern technology, more women can do both but the priority has got to be on the kids, on the children.
[Neville:] Now, I'm going to jump in here and play a little something advocate. Don't like to use the devil word. But anyway, you know, some people may say, well, Rebecca, good for you. You are at home but you are still working. So, really, how much can you pay attention to your children while you are on the Internet doing your job?
[Hagelin:] You know what, that's where the key come in. Children at six months old have different needs than they do at seven years old or six years old. And you need to have a focus as a mother that allows you to evolve in your work and have your primary focus your children. If I could say one thing to the women that are watching this maybe some of them are watching it during their lunch hours across America it's change your paradigm of thinking. Make your children be your priority and let your work be the extra thing that do you in your life, and you will be very happy for that.
[Neville:] Ms. Stein, Rebecca says guess what, your priorities are all wrong if you are a working mom. What do you say about that?
[Sharman Stein, Working Mother Of Two:] Well, I have no intention of getting into a fight with her about that. My children are my No. 1 priority and children are the No. 1 priority of all working mothers, but most women who work have to work. They need the financial income that comes from it. A lot of women need to work for a feeling of self worth. Men have always felt that way, and there's absolutely no wrong with women to feel that way. When women feel that way, they bring more to being a parent. I have been as close a loving, giving mother as it's in me to be. I spend dinner with my children every night. I'm there for every school occasion when they need me. I have found a work life that doesn't keep me away 80 hours a week. But most women do not work 80 hours a week. They have found a work life that allows them to be a good mother.
[Neville:] Here's a question: a lot or a statement some women feel that if they don't work, they give up their careers, then suddenly they are dependent on men if the word divorce comes into play. What do you think about that? We'll talk about that after this break. Don't go anywhere.