Last time I checked the question was 'Do you have a current or previous employer?' My reading of that is you can give your last salaried position if you want.

However, 'household duties' is often on lists like that and would reasonably cover what you do.

Being employed is not a requirement of the VWP. It might mean they ask you questions regarding funds, and it could be a factor in a denial of entry, but plenty of unemployed people enter the US just fine. I've had friends who have been backpacking for 8 months enter the US with no issues as part of their travels.