Hi Fred,
Was one of your 2015 resolutions to stir the pot a bit with your tweets? Because we’re only 21 days into the new year and you’re doing a pretty good job.
I don’t follow you on Twitter, but couldn’t go past your latest 140-character rant. In case you’ve forgotten, you wrote, “Stay-at-home parenting is superior to 'day orphanages' (childcare). We need to reform our tax/welfare system to support parenting. #teamnile”
I am a former day orphan. I was in full-time childcare from the age of three months old. And, you know what? Surprisingly I’m doing OK. In fact, I remember nothing of my abandonment –perhaps I’ve suppressed it? What I do remember is bubble painting and Play-Doh … sounds horrible, I know.
I’ve never felt held back by my parents’ decision to leave me at the ‘day orphanage’. I’ve never felt I wasn’t loved, but perhaps I don’t know what real love is? Was your tweet based on your own experiences staying home and caring for your children? Oh, sorry, it couldn't be: you believe that's soley the mother's job. I don't want to scare you even more by sharing that in my household my dad was the one that did the cooking too.
I agree that we should be doing more to support parents (not just mothers) who want to stay home, but also believe we need to be doing more to support parents who want to return to the workforce. Gosh, wouldn’t it be an odd world if we just let people make the best decision for them without passing judgement.
As I said, I’m doing OK. I’m holding down a full-time job, I’m in a long-term relationship, and – I’m sure to your surprise – I even have a fabulous connection with my mother.
Good luck keeping up your new year's resolution.
Sincerely,
Rebecca, reformed day orphan
