Poirot:“I might add, however, that if society reverted to a more organic way of community organisation and collaboration, the mum's would then regain the broad support of their peers and elders to reinforce their maternal instincts.”

All power to the women who have to work to support their households. But the truth is I’ve found most women want to return to work rather than stay at home with their children.

It’s all this crap about how parenting is the hardest job in the world. They consider it a chore and prefer to be at the office even if they are offered the paid leave, maternity leave, and lots of time off with job security.

Dump and run, go earn more so you can buy more crap and have a giant house. They must spew when 5 minutes after getting to work the daycare staff ring to say come pick up your kid they wont settle.

I support women doing anything they want to, go to battle, be CEO’s, fight fires, but not mothers with young children growing up in daycare. Women who don’t work also put their kids in daycare, so weird. I see pre-school as a daycare as well.

Ooh, ooh, Jewely - that is interesting that you are puzzled by the same phenomenon - women who don't work feel obliged to put their infants into childcare...nay, they are actively encouraged to do so.

In our fractured little "mummy world" these days, it's the feeling of conformity that rings true. Many young mum have only their peers to go by, and they think that their infants will somehow not be "socialised" if they don't turf them at the earliest opportunity into a childcare environment. That is the mentality of the modern world.

Hello?....don't you think it is more reasonable to assume that infants need to have a one-on-one or maybe a one-on-two or-three setting where their needs can be met and they can commubicate at will with their carers.

And what is this thing of grouping all children with age peers? When in the history of man have children not been assimilated with children of different ages - in fact children should be assimilated with the whole range of age groups - that is human.

Women put their babies/toddlers into childcare because they feel that this is the way it is done. You get enough children in childcare and in the end there are no kids for the infants to socialise with during the day outside of an institution.

Times might be a changing.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/home-mums-rebate-at-risk/story-e6freuy9-1226040243124
Savings options under consideration include:

* Means testing the 50 per cent childcare rebate for the first time, for families with a combined income of between $150,000 and $200,000.
* Applying a new work test to the rebate that pays families up to $7500 per child, limiting assistance for stay at home mums putting toddlers in care.
* Reducing the hours of childcare families can claim without a work/study test.

Families can currently claim the 50 per cent childcare rebate without meeting a strict work, training or study test for both parents, or documenting work related activities.

It's understood Early Childhood Minister Peter Garrett floated a new means test plan earlier this year, with various options outlined. But Treasurer Wayne Swan's office is concerned about mixed messages sent by a means test that might stop some women from returning to the workforce.

Jewely, there is a huge difference between daycare and preschool. I am a working mum with two kids, and both my kids hated the daycare centre, but love/d preschool. Preschool has a focus on looking for the activities that engage each child and helping them learn through that process. Eg the teacher knows my son loves trucks, so makes sure the trucks are put out each Friday morning and points them out to him.

The best alternative and one that a lot of families I know look for is family day care. There are a maximum of 5 children (plus two after school kids), looked after in the carers home. There are a mix of ages, and the carer can focus more on the kids, and developing a long-term relationship with them. Both my kids preferred family day care (although my daughter now says it boring, as she needs a higher level of engagement).

I have real trouble with the idea of any subsidies for families where parents are not working. Perhaps for 1 day per week (so mum/dad can get the things done that it is harder to do with kids hanging off you), but I cant see why I need to subsidise any more - if I didnt have to pay as much in taxes I would maybe able to afford to not work as much. There are always exceptions to the rule though - I feel for the mother I know who has (natural) triplets. I dont begrudge helping her pay for a few days of daycare so that she can get a little sanity - I am sure she is a better mother and person for the break.

Vanka, women have never magically make children by immaculate conception...
What about Daddy in all this decision making about whether junior goes to daycare or not?
If the man does not want his baby, then the taxpayer has to fund the abortion.

If the man wants a baby, then the taxpayer has to fund the baby bonus.
(known to often be used for a large screen TV so he can watch sport)

After the man's wife/partner has the baby, then the taxpayer has to fund keeping the baby in the daycare center.

I know of many, many families where mothers are pressured to go back to work by the father of the baby, for financial reasons.

These days, the father's income is not enough in most situations, so if there weren't daycare places provided, then the poverty in this nation would skyrocket, and welfare payments along with it.
Is that what everybody wants?

If only the men could make enough money to let the mothers stay at home financially.

Of course it is better for the kids to stay at home with mum... I honestly think it breaks the hearts of thousands of mums every time they have to leave a baby at daycare centres.

Hey Doon, I’m sure there are awesome fun daycares, preschools, and family daycare out there. I dislike the need for their existence mostly.

“but I cant see why I need to subsidise any more - if I didnt have to pay as much in taxes I would maybe able to afford to not work as much”

It’s a trap/cycle/catch22. Often a trap of our own making but l do appreciate some lack choices. Thing with work is usually the hours are 40 hours a week and not many options to work less, maybe in the long term if you can save but by then I think the kids are kind of gone.

“I feel for the mother I know who has (natural) triplets.”

Hahaha, I feel mostly happy for her. The first few months she would have been a zombie.

Suze:“I honestly think it breaks the hearts of thousands of mums every time they have to leave a baby at daycare centres.”

I swear many trudge on in with little ones in tow and skip all the way across the carpark on the way out. :)