With great care. Telecommuting is definitely not a substitute for full-time dependent care, especially for young children. This is one of the great myths of telecommuting. But telecommuters who work part-time, and who have the spouse or another care-giver available to take care of the child while working, can blend telecommuting and parenting very well. Also, telecommuting can be helpful for certain types of elder care where the older relative needs occasional care and companionship but not full-time attention.