Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
If you have cell minutes or long distance time to burn, PM me and I'll send you my phone # to talk, if you think it would help.. I used to help coach folks in this situation,
It's more about HOW one presents the time away from the work world to raise children.
In the end, many choices in hiring are based on an EXCUSE to not hire than a reason to reject. There are a cadre of people out there today making good money selling HOOEY as "consultants" to companies, telling them all sorts of mystical ways and bogus theories as to whom to hire and whom not.
There is little rhyme or reason! To take such bizarre things to heart as personal rejection is not wise! Most interviews are a shot in the dark.
If I sound a bit "edgy" about it, I am! There are tried and true ways to select good personnel but few learn or employ them preferring to go on Abraba Cadabra ideas.
God's in charge in the end, and to survive job search, we sometimes have to adopt the belief that each rejection is God's way of protecting us from a very ugly situation where we'd spend more time than with our loved ones!
Give your lady my warmest wishes and nudge her to "keep the Son in her eyes!"