It is indeed best that the wife stay home with the children, while husband works, but what is the best way of answering the objections that the wife should have a degree or career to back her up if her husband dies or is incapacitated?
It does not hurt for a woman to have a degree in case something should happen to her husband, but this should not be her primary concern...
It a single woman is waiting to find a good man to marry, for example, there is nothing wrong with getting a better education to become a nurse or enter upon another womanly field.
If the woman is already married, trusting in God is the best thing, and if needed, then God will help her to get a proper job.
Well said.
It shouldn't be her primary concern.
If she's already married, then it's time to trust in God and hope she won't need it.
If a woman is still single and looking, then "knock yourself out" as they say. However, try to make sure that you don't become too dedicated, so if God sends the perfect man in your path, you have such blinders on for that degree that you won't give it up or pay attention to any men "before you graduate".
Also, you have to make sure you don't get too attached to that career. It's hard to work years for something and be completely detached at the same time, ready to give it up with no hard feelings.
And then there's the fact that a college education isn't free in most cases! Even if you wanted to drop your career for the man God sends you, you might not be able to if you have $15,000, $20,000 or $30,000 in student loans to pay back.
Aren't you going to dream a bit about that single, independent life you're going to have in a few years? All the freedom, respect from others (including worldlings, fallen-away relatives, as well as legit Catholics and family/friends), and pleasures that the money will bring? Or looking forward to the job itself? Helping heal people, teach children, rehabilitate the wounded, counsel those with psychological issues, etc.?
You might resent your husband for taking that away from you. Just be careful that doesn't happen. You pretty much have to ACTIVELY WILL that, as nature will dictate otherwise if you let it.
Just remember that women are affected by Original Sin as well. They like money, they like pleasure, they like the approval of those around them, and they like shiny things. Know thyself, and practice mortification. Men and women both need this advice.