Mothers on the payroll?

I is a Tellygraff reeder Nellie ! I was looking forward to todays letters, in the hope that there would be a few responses, but no! I will check again tomorrow, perhaps the letter from Ms Travers of Dorset caused many DT readers to have such a major fit that they were all rendered speeechless?

I am surpised such an incomprehensible letter was featured in The Daily Telegraph. I thought Telegraph readers were well educated.
I wonder if the sense of the original letter became messed up by the "letters page" editors.

I agree about 'socialising' children phoenix but I still think some are quicker than others at getting the hang of it. Knowledge of child development and attachment theory tells us that children need that 'centre of their world' experience before they can progress to other relationships with different adults or children. I don't believe it can be rushed, although it can be encouraged.

I think that what is now referred to as "socialising" children is important, it is very easy if it is just you and a small one at home to inadvertantly let them think that they are the centre of their small world. (having nearly 11 years between my 2 meant that in some ways it came close to having 2 "only/singleton" children). Mother& toddler groups, playschool etc are all non compulsory but just a couple of hours a week can help little ones to understand the first concepts of sharing etc.

Riverwalk sorry for taking so long to get back you. Yes, I am absolutely sure re the cut and paste!

Not sure if it will still be available on DT's website, Ididn't do alink because that takes you to all the letters of the day.

I agree Mishap, all children are different and some benefit from being at home with a parent for that bit longer. Some are raring to socialise from an early age. At DGS's 2nd birthday party he was the one clinging to mummy or daddy. His little friend aged just one was all over the place, never even checking where mummy or daddy were. But she was a girl, we are just more advanced than the male of the species! (Sorry grandads)

The general assumption that nursery educacation is by definition good for small children is not one that I agree with. It is right for some and not for others. Parents should be able to choose without finding themselves unable to pay the mortgage if they feel it is right for their child to be at home with a parent.

They don't seem to have many conversations about things that don't relate to themselves, no! Perhaps you should just have copied the key points of Gillian's letter and presented them as your own - could you then be done for plagiarism?

It's gone! Gone off the bottom already! It'll never be seen again.

Do they actually have any conversations?!

My God! They can't half talk over there!

It'll be gone off the bottom before anyone sees it!

Well I've posted this

Can't hurt can it? She could well be a Mumsnetter.

How do we know how old she is, though? She might be a concerned grandmother. She might even not have children at all!

I might give it a try Ana, after I've eaten this dinner.

jO5 I wonder if she's a daughter of a Gransnetter!

Not guilty, I have sons

On yer bike!

I wonder if she's a Mumsnetter? Perhaps we could contact her.

Ana pop over and try.

I think the 'mums being paid' thing is separate. I don't think that what she means.



Gill from Wimborne - Must try harder.

The letter is badly written as it is open to different interpretations, but I got the idea that the writer just wanted to be paid to stay at home with her children, not to send them to nursery. I wonder if she thinks a single Dad should have the same privilege? I don't know which countries have this system, other than extended maternity or paternity leave in some Scandinavian countries.

Riverwalk

Ana I'm off to cook me tea!!!

That was in reply to jingl.

Yeees...I sort of see what you mean..

I have read this woman's letter 10 times and still can't make out what she's on about!

*Phoenix, are you sure you cut and pasted properly?

I mean, perhaps these would-be SAHM's feel their children would benefit from full time nursery education but cannot afford to pay the extra money that would be required.

After school and holiday care still has to be paid for, though.

No. I'm talking about nursery education. The sort that can be legitimately had now in playgroups, local authority nurseries and private nurseries. They all have the same 'curriculum' they have to adhere to.

Usually from about two and a half until the four year olds go into reception at primary school.