February 19, 2016
Child Maintenance, Not Child Development

Hi, Dr. Laura:

After college and before getting my Master's degree in Early Education, I worked at the top-rated day care center in a large metropolitan area.  It was a fabulous facility with top notch educated providers.  However, the only thing I learned while working there was that I would NEVER put my future children in day care. 

We put together educational, fun activities, read books, and did art projects, but truly, this was all just child maintenance, not child development. While we were caring people, these were not our own children, and no amount of money could make us love and care for them the way they needed to be loved daily.  It was a job, and while we did it to the best of our ability, the most important aspect was lacking for these kids eight hours a day - love and an investment in their lives and futures.

I am now a proud stay-at-home mom to my two kids, and while it has been tough financially at times, they only have one childhood and I will have plenty of time to work when they're up and out.  These are precious years and I wouldn't trade them for anything.  Thank you for promoting and supporting the importance of being a stay-at-home mom.

Laura

Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM