I just finished reading "Generation ME" by Jean Twenge (the book got some major press a few weeks back in a story about her research into increasing narcissism among college students). She makes sense in the first few chapters, and even suggests that the increasing epidemic of ADD among kids is the obvious result of poor parenting by GenME's, but in the latter chapters she goes off the deep feminist end, trashing all studies such as this and the one you mentioned, and fiercely advocating for state-sponsored daycare and public pre-preschools so all those highly-educated womyn with high-powered positions can reproduce and drop the kids into the taxpayers' lap. She also advocates for extended maternity leave -- but no so eloquently, since, in her words, "you might find yourself cooped up with young children every day and let's face it -- who is really prepared for that?"
The obvious question, of course, is: why have kids if you don't want to be to be bothered raising them?
" but in the latter chapters she goes off the deep feminist end, trashing all studies such as this and the one you mentioned, and fiercely advocating for state-sponsored daycare and public pre-preschools so all those highly-educated womyn with high-powered positions can reproduce and drop the kids into the taxpayers' lap. "
I read one column written by a former feminist who left her job to have one or two kids - fully planning to return to work.
She didn't return to work.
She admitted that if she were "smart" about raising her kids the right way, she should pay attention to these studies.
She then began to notice what all other stay-at-home moms realize - there is a total lack of respect for "nonworking" moms.
But she had never worked harder in her life!
And she thought it was ridiculous that if she hired an in-home sitter, or dropped the kids off at a center then those caring for her children were considered part of the "workforce" and could proudly display their "experience" on their resumes.
she - on the other hand - though providing superior care, was considered invisible to the "workforce," and knew that when she did update her resume or interview for a new job it was considered a "no-no" to discuss taking time off to raise the kids.
So....women who eliminate the middle-man(woman) and provide superior care for tomorrow's citizens are treated as if they should be ashamed of the gap in their work history.
This woman suggested a tax break for couples where one parent stays home and cares for the children - like cutting the taxable income in half to recognize the positive service these parents are providing.
as it is - daycare parents are writing off their expenses and the kids are becoming more aggressive.
The really sad thing is that "stay-at-home" moms aren't always the cat's meow, either.
Many are seeing day care as a way for them to be unburdened by the child on a regular basis. I know a person like this right now. Why doesn't she just give the child to her mother who loves taking care of him anyway (even if she is an hour away)?
Isn't being cooped up with young children exactly what day care workers do?
I understand that the "Brightest & Best" need quality time and space to do the planing necessary to give us workers a socialist utopia.