Let me preface this by saying I have no strong feelings one way or another on this subject, though admittedly I do enjoy the discourse to a degree.

As far as the game goes...posters are correct in saying that the mothers do still earn money in banking and they can still sell collectibles. One way to off set the career advancements is when a career item becomes available in the store, buy it for her. Also, after she has stopped nursing the baby and can get back to her career, I encourage that and let the father do repairs, unload groceries, clean smudges, pick up socks and other non-career chores. This seems to keep them acceptably close in career advancements.

Also, check the happiness meter...while carrying the baby my VF mother has stayed elated. So...she is happy. We talk about social reflections in the game as though they are negative. The family is happy...I am confused that career and monetary gain seems to be so prioritized by some players. And some say that if the mother is not achieving this it is somehow wrong. Why?

She may not be earning as much but she is happy and enjoying a happy home and family. I am concerned that so much emphasis is being made on career, and happiness does not seem to be a factor.

While it is important to give impressive thought about social relections and gender equality in career advancement...I think that a mother temporarily setting aside career advancement so that she can nurture and nurse her baby for a couple of years should not be made into a bad thing.

That being said, as usual, remember it's a game and there are choices about having children.

And, for whatever it's worth, I love the idea of the Dad's holding and nurturing the children too...but more for the enrichment for the child and parent...not to benefit monetary career achievements.