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)?
Every once in awhile, I think this is a *good* thing! LOL! From the time my kids were 6 mos old until they were three, I put them both in daycare two days a month for five hours a day. On day one, I'd pay bills and do my monthly grocery shopping. (It was *much* easier without a cranky infant and a bouncy toddler running around.) On the 15th, I'd take 5 hours for myself. Lunch out with a friend, shopping for pleasure, or just go home and read quietly for a few hours.
I *highly* recommend it to anyone with small children!
But, I do agree with you. It's not a good thing on a daily basis.