That's the name of a report out today whose findings were that babies who attend nursery from 9 months are 'better behaved and less likely to experience developmental problems' than the average child. It's great to hear official sounding reports backing choices you have made for you own child, but I have found it is best not to take things too seriously - it's a safe bet there will be another report next week saying the opposite thing.
Its all moot because we don't really have a choice, and I don't understand how many other people have a choice. If you want a decent house and decent opportunities for yourself and your children most families are going to need dual incomes. My wife would like to spend more time with Annabel, but she wants a career as well, she was already going stir crazy in the 6 months of maternity leave at home, some people need work to give themselves a certain level of satisfaction and to keep their brains stimulated. My wife and I both come from families where both parents worked full time, so there are cultural influences at work here as well.
Having said all this it still hurts to hear the thoughts of those who don't approve of us not spending all the time we can with Annabel. If we thought it was hurting her in any way we'd sell up the house in a second and cut back on spending to accomodate all her needs, but if anything the opposite seems to be true - as the report predicted Annabel seems to be thriving at nursery. Mostly we get support of our decision, but what do I think of those who mutter disapproval? I say take a look at yourselves and the messages you are giving to your children about giving up on ambition by making the decisions you do.
