<<<<<I don't know how people can blast parents who rely on the family to chip in to help caring for kids. And I can't help but think the Duggars are "raising" their children in a more hands on way than many people (not all) who use day care. >>>>>

The comment above was mine from the other "Duggars" post. In that context, I was comparing a large home-schooling family whose parents are being criticized for not "raising" their families to those whose parents share the child-care responsibilities with day care settings.

My opinion that Mrs. Duggar is absolutely a hands-on parent 24/7 is what I was attempting to convey. I don't necessarily think that her kids are better off for their arrangement, but I certainly don't think they are worse off than many of the arrangements (such as day care) that are so common in today's society.

I didn't mean for my comment to imply that the majority of parents who use day care aren't doing their best to raise their children. I also don't believe that all at-home-moms are doing best by their kids. It's not that kind of "all or nothing" issue.

I believe many children are better off, and more well-rounded thanks to excellent day care experiences, and there is no 'right' or 'wrong' plan for raising a family as long as it is what is best for that family's needs.

To me, day care, homeschooling, and oldest-helping-youngest family choices are not WRONG. It seems strange to judge any of these plans as right or wrong. If parents are doing their best, and their children are loved and well-adjusted, it's all any of us should use as a measure to judge.

I think the Duggars are probably doing an excellent job raising their family. I also think most of the moms here that use daycares are doing an excellent job. I wish my post didn't come across as implying that one way of parenting was better than the other - especially since I was trying to make the opposite point - who are we to judge the Duggars or anyone, if they are doing their best?

Ballmom, I'm sorry if my comment seemed like a criticism directed at any mom who uses daycare. I think you're a GREAT mom.