I have done my share of baby sitting my nieces and nephews and I have to say I agree with what has been said already.Taking them to a park to run around, play games, etc. is a treat to them,since they rarely get to go, and thats sad.
A friend I have had since we where 4 years old and his wife left their high paying jobs about 2 years ago and slimmed down their life style so the could spend more time with the kids. The kids, who where "hyper-active" and needed "counseling and ridilen", and were in special classes, are now the most well behaved and polite kids you would like to meet, and are working at their grade level with no problems. Why? I think its because the parents decided they did not need the $500,000 home and all the stuff that came with it, and that the Family came first. It might not work for everyone, but it did for them. Thats just my 2 cents worth.