According to the report, working moms were less likely to leave their kids with a relative, even though child-care costs rose. But despite the rise in cost, the trend seems to be toward more kids receiving child care in organized facilities. If anything, the data will be even more exaggerated. Harvard's Brazelton said there are studies showing both the positive and negative effects of day care. Brazelton said he thinks 17 or 18 is a more appropriate age to begin leaving kids home alone.
Time together is the best way, although it's getting harder for families to do that.
Already I come into work a little after 9 a.m. because I need to drop my daughter off in the morning and have to make up for it by staying later. We just have to make the most of the time we do have. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ABC News Internet Ventures. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Internet Safety Information applicable to this site.