Lots of notions we have can change when the real world intrudes. But I think you hit the nail on the head. If a day care center has a solid religion-based core (Christian or Jewish) that makes a huge difference. And Lord knows one can burn out babysitting. It's exhausting taking care of little ones. My friend's baby is just about to turn two, and now she takes her once a week to a very small, local, play school. I handle the one other day the mom works, or the grampa does. It's a sacrifice cause I'm a very busy person, but it's worth it. The kid seems to like the play school. It's in a very small town and all her little buddies are there.
A voice of sanity is most welcome on these threads, veronica!
I really hope that no one has to go through the challenges of single parenting. It isn't a picnic.
And those who stick their noses in the air and act as if we've brought this down upon ourselves? A pox on the lot of them.