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This is an editorial from the May 18th edition of a local free paper called "24 Hours." The author of the editorial is Erin Airton.
The paper and column are Canadian, and if I remember correctly child care differs in the US compared to Canada, so expect some differences if you're not Canadian and are reading the article.

It is as follows:


In the numerous e-mails I have received since my column last month on the Conservative government's Child Care Allowance, none struck a nerve so much as the one from a mother frustrated that her daycare costs aren't covered 100% by the government.

So instead of working, she "has" to stay home with her kids while her husband works alone in the paid workforce.

Fifty years ago, this letter would never have been written. But after decades of writers, media figures and government-fun ded advocates like National Action Committee on the Status of Women shouting on the airwaves, some women have bought the message that bringing kids into the world is something that can be done without sacrifice.

How ridiculous.

It is impossible to combine small children and a career without one or both suffering the effects. To pretend otherwise is to set up our daughters for failure at home or at the office.

The myth of universal, nationalized and state-funded daycare touted by the left is nothing more than a sop to those who don't value the important work of mothers at home with their babies.

This is not politically correct of me - especially as a working mother of two - but I'll say it anyways: Unless it is not an option, children deserve loving care by a family member or close acquaintance unless they can at least speak for themselves.

It may mean putting off buying the first house or the winter trip somewhere, but it is the least that our precious children deserve.

Before the angry letters start, I can understand that sometimes there isn't a choice and that many mothers must work for food and a roof over their heads. I've been there and it was very difficult.

However Statistics Canada research shows the majority of mothers want to care for their own children and, if that's not possible, prefer family to do it for them. Failing that option, most choose small, home-run daycares.

If there was truly the crushing demand for daycare spaces, I can guarantee that supply would be created - look at the private clinics springing up offering knee surgery in another sacred cow busting move.

Let's not forget that the provincial governemnt subsidizes spaces for those who need the support. Parents who earn under $30,000 a year can apply for almost a full subsidy of their daycare fees and partial subsidies are available for higher incomes.

It is the height of lunacy to suggest that the 13% of kids in institutional daycare are the tip of hidden daycare demand, and that a state-run and union-staffed daycare center is where Canadian parents want kids spending their first years.

I work at a daycare, and sometimes it's GOOD for the kids, though. I've seen kids make AMAZING improvements since coming, from having a kid that we couldn't take our eyes off of because he'd run away, and he'd spit in your face as well, to a well behaved child who sometimes acts out, but it's understandable (he's autistic) and we're working with him and others... sometimes... a parent is just too close to see that his/her child needs something different or something. Sometimes, they just need a break to recharge to handle a difficult child.

Sometimes the child just needs the peers somewhere other than school, and the parents can't provide it.

I agree. Sacrifices are made no matter what. Does this woman think that working mothers shove their kids in closets and never spend extra money on them or anything?

Sacrifices are made every day. Some of those are not necessary sacrifices. Why should they be forced to make them anyway just because of some lunatic's view that parenthood is nothing short of total devotion to children?

I'm sorry, but I am not of the camp that believes that the life of a new child can only come with the death of the parent. Parents have every right to remain individuals, indulge in things that make them happy, have their own lives and their own friends. It's like marriage, just because I am engaged doesn't mean that I don't still have my own friends that I sometimes go out with.

While I agree that work/home cannot be done perfectly, home cannot either, neither can work. I think a much better example to set for kids is to show them how they can best manage both worlds realistically.

I happen to agree that someone should stay at home with kids. My fiance and I have talked this over and we've decided that he will stay with out child until out child starts school. He will then look for a part-time job. I didn't have much time with my parents growing up and I want my own children to have that. I also believe that taking care of a house is a full time job. We do a terrible job of it now because we both come home so tired after work/school. I think it's just smarter to have a well-cared for house with someone around to take care of it daily.

But this is a personal choice. Just because families choose to be double income doesn't mean that their children will grow up "broken."