Re: do i have to?
It's a personal choice. Only you know what's best for your family.
I have seen many women who can juggle a career and family life and many that just cant. I have seen kids who end up screwed up whether a parent stayed at home with them or not....and some that turned out pretty decent.
I suppose in the end, it really doesnt matter if you were home with them or not...it's the way you raise them and the values you instill in them.
You have to ask yourself... will you be a better parent if you stay at home? Some moms stay at home and dont contribute squat in terms or teaching them manners, educating them religiously and academically etc They are basically a free babysitter, maid and cook.
personally, I could not leave my child with a babysitter or put them in child care..... but that's just me because I am paranoid :D