interesting discussion on Vanessa Felltz re stay at home mums now...

[jennyh]

On BBC London Radio now, new census on the loss of the stay at home mum. I actually wrote in on email about my delight at my daughter going to nursery...Vanessa wasn't sure on my argument!! :) Lots of discussion about whether it is right to go back to work, why people do it, who is best placed to look after your children, what sort of stimulation your children need etc.

Emotive and interesting stuff. Not looking to cause any kind of row, frankly I haven't the time because I am working :)

[Mrs TP]

If only being a parent was so simple as:

a) do this and it will all be fine.

Also I hate the way these discussion programs often present it as a choice. I would be interested to know what percentage of mums have actually been able to choose whether or not to continue working after bubbas. Not many I bet, most just have to do what their economic and support circumstances dictate.

The most important things are loving and looking after your kids and if that involves an element of paid childcare so what we don't live on Waltons Mountain.

[Monkey]

This working mums v stay at home mums debate is sterile. I wish we would concentrate more on how to change employers' attitude and give parents more flexibility. I would have told Vanessa if I had been at home listening to her show!

[jennyh]

Exactly, it is sterile. I found it hugely one sided and basic actually, my particular points were turned into something I hadn't meant. I think to have a little more depth to it would have been good - as you say monkey, a bit of a discussion about flexibility rather than saying all stay at home mums are amazing, selfless beings and the working mums are career driven. Not that simple!

[Monkey]

Half a wife by gaby hinsliff is packed full of ideas for flexible working. I gave a few to our hr department... :-)