A new study led by Penelope Leach found that young children who are looked after by their mothers do significantly better in developmental tests than those cared for in nurseries, by childminders or relatives.

Although the report will be leapt on by those who believe that mothers should stay at home after childbirth, others point out that it is often the quality of care outside the home which is at issue. Leach insisted her findings should not be interpreted as a demand that mothers stay at home. Instead, she described it is as supporting a demand for ‘developmentally appropriate high quality childcare’.

Sound good, but I haven’t seen the actual study yet. No time for more comments, because the kids are off from school today. We’re off to the mall to do chores and eat fried potatoes at the food court.