WHY was Helen Mead surprised to learn that two-thirds of women between 20 and 34 would prefer to be full-time mothers and let their husbands be the breadwinners? (March 17).

If this survey had encompassed women of all ages, I believe that the proportion would be even higher.

Women everywhere recovering from the general brainwashing instigated by feminists are starting to recognise that being at home for their husbands and children, having time to themselves and being able to organise an orderly home makes perfect sense.

So-called "quality time" can be 3am when a child wakes from a bad dream or 4pm after a rotten day at school. To apportion such time to fit in with an unrealistic and punishing lifestyle is nonsense.

To be able to keep pace with school and leisure events and join in - enjoy relaxing evenings knowing that they do not have to rush to a childminder and/or demanding job every morning, and take spontaneous walks or drives out - must be worth taking a few years off.

Nowadays women can study for new careers at any age.

If the outspoken and entertaining Mrs Mead, self-styled slob and houseworkaphobe, can appreciate the true worth and benefits of being a stay-at-home mum, then there is hope yet for stressless family life.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 16:40 Friday, March 21, 2003