Readers offer their advice

On being a stay-at-home parent: Before my first son was born, my husband and I decided that I’d stay home once my maternity leave ended.

We figured that once daycare, wardrobe and travel costs were factored in, I’d have been paying to go to work! I stayed home with that first son and my second one for six years.

The day the youngest began kindergarten full-time, I began a two-year college diploma program at the age of 38.

Now I have an entirely different career from the one I left.

Those six years at home were my favourite — with no regrets. I feel so very, very lucky and blessed.

I want to send this message to the writer who worried about a future with her boyfriend who “doesn’t get” her literary references. He’s a building contractor; she’s a professional.

My second husband and I are very different regarding our academic backgrounds. I hold five university degrees, including a PhD. He completed a two-year college diploma. I’m a professional; he’s in trucking. He’s a kind, supportive, and loyal man who’s been there for me and my children. We share many interests and have great debates. Our relationship wouldn’t work if we weren’t intellectually matched.

Academic achievement doesn’t equal intellect. What matters most is a person’s character, not how many years they’ve spent in school.