I agree wholeheartedly with James A. Kavin (BDN, April 30) that “uncontrollable, aggressive behavior comes from insecurity, instability, poor or no discipline, limited parental guidance, lack of inbred self-discipline, and weak moral and/or behavioral standards.” Where my opinion differs, however, is with his implication that parents who send their children to day care offer no security, stability, discipline, guidance or moral standards.

My home sounds very similar to Kavin’s. My children watch little TV, they respect each other and help each other, they enjoy reading books and being read to, they will go hungry if they do not eat the supper provided to them, they indulge in creative and interactive play, and they know what the rules are and are disciplined when they break them. Like Kavin, I am told by other adults that my children are well behaved, well mannered, and helpful. My children also know that they are very loved.

The difference between Kavin’s children and mine? Mine go to day care.

I view our day care situation not a substitute for a solid home life, but an extension of it. When my children are at home, they are guided by limits, good example, mutual respect, and lots of love. They receive the same guiding principles at their day care. My daycare provider and I have an open daily dialog about my children and constantly communicate about their behavior, activities, health, and rest.

Parents have a duty to raise responsible, moral citizens, regardless of whether they send their children to daycare or not. It’s more about responsibility and good citizenship than daycare.

I firmly believe that my husband and I are taking responsibility in all the right ways. How do I know? Because I turned out to be a responsible, moral citizen, and I am raising my children like I was raised by own working parents.

Jennifer Moore

Brewer