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...but almost without exception the parents who outsource their parental responsibilities to strangers are those whose priorities are themselves, their material possessions, and their social life. Their children are merely accessories to their lifestyles.

That's a pretty broad brush you got there, Jeff. You've interviewed that many daycare users? How about those such as myself that use a family day care (residential house) a few days a week? Is my child now merely an accessory?

I suppose if I carried a briefcase full of cash in the back seat of my car every single day, then yes, I may forget it once. Now I'm a monster too.

My mother ran a residential day care business for 20 years. My wife ran one for ten. My daughter worked in various day care centers for years. The conscientious parent who "had" to work is the exception. The rule is that the nice house, the new cars, the vacations, the 401Ks come first, so the parents convince themselves that a stranger is as good as Mommy to an infant.

The truly amazing thing is how often the parents come late to pick the kids up so they can take care of shopping and other errands, and hire a babysitter on weekends so they can socialize with other adults. The children are clearly regarded by too many as a burden instead of a blessing.

Sad (for the child).