Sir, - Monica Barber (November 20th) made the following sweeping statement: "The best care for a child is his or her own mother." This and other such statements in her letter would have sent me reeling with guilt when my children were younger, as I have worked since they were born. I now think that this type of letter may be born out of anger and resentment and that is not very productive.
Would it not be more helpful if we as parents (whether staying at home to mind children, working for economic reasons or whatever reasons we decide) accept that the reality of life is that different people make decisions for reasons that are particular to their unique set of circumstances? Instead of attacking those whose lifestyle is different to ours, might it be more useful to accept the differences and get on with our lives while respecting the choices that others make? - Yours, etc.,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9.