Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine putting my baby through that. This is why DH and I made sure one of us was going to be staying home with our kids as babies and toddlers.
You can't get this time back and you're likely the best person/people for them at that age. No salary can compare to that time.
Yet other people feel it is far, far more critical for a parent to be present during the tumultuous pre-teen and teen years as a sounding board, to offer sage advice, and so on. Also, just to point it out, your kids will remember that attention but will remember nothing of what you did for them as babies.
Of course quality childcare is important, you want a caregiver who loves your child, but please don't derail this into some absurd guilt trip. Kids are always growing and always changing and you simply cannot be present for all of it. Period. That's okay! Your kids will still love you!