> Mary Ann wrote:
>>>The best child care is done in the home. I spent about 50-60% of my
>>income to have a wonderful provider come into the home. My daughters do
>>the same and they are your age. It is a major relief for working mothers
>>however there must be income. But in home child care diminishes the
>>illnesses.
>>I have to disagree with Mary Ann's assesment that the "best" childcare is in
>the home. I had excellent experiences with high-quality day care centers
>staffed by professionals. It, too, is expensive but many of these people
>receive higher education degrees in child development and related fields. I
>was also not directly responsible for their social security, health insurance,
>etc. like one would be if hiring someone full time into your home.
[snip]
>Jennifer Loros
>Department of Biochemistry
>Dartmouth Medical School
>email: jennifer.loros at dartmouth.edu
I have been very happy with a home-group care situation - two trained
adults (mother and daughter; the daughter is in her 40s) - I think perhaps
the most important thing is not exactly what kind of situation you find,
but that you and your child be completely comfortable. But I think perhaps
the most important thing to know is that children do NOT suffer in good day
care. I really like hearing this reinforcement now, when we are being
bombarded by propaganda (even on NPR) that says "the best care is Mother's
care in the home" (they say "parents" but I think they know they mean
"mother"). With an increasing number of my acquaintances (women) deciding
that they will stay home because it is "best" for their child(ren), I find
it very reassuring to hear from other academic women.
Isn't it intriguing that "they" are pushing for professional women to stay
at home, yet pushing for "welfare mothers" to go out and work?
Linden
______________________
Linden Higgins
Department of Zoology
University of Texas
Austin, TX 78712
telephone: (512) 471-6905 FAX (512) 471-9651
linden at mail.utexas.edu
