It takes a certain type of person to decide to be a stay at home parent;
Yeah... the type that had kids and can afford not to work...
... and, in this day and age it really is a luxury. --- This is what I was talking about. Instead of requiring a certain type of person, it is a luxury.
Children who grow up in divorced families often have more difficulties getting along with siblings, peers, and their parents. --- yes, but this does not mean divorce is bad; it means conflict is bad. Students can be negatively influenced if parents stay together and fight all the time, too.
Just imagine the extra benefit of one parent being at home.--- imagine the benefits of both parents having careers so that they can each work part time and each spend some time at home.
I never felt I truly reached that tight bond with my oldest. ---- this must hurt for your son to read.
The writing is error free, but the logic seems lacking. This is an essay about the benefits of being a stay-at-home parent... but I think it is an oversimplified view. It is indeed a luxury, and one that not all families have. What your argument boils down to is that it is a good idea to be financially stable enough to have plenty of time with your kids. No one would argue with that, so it is not an "arguable thesis."
Also, the essay is weakened when you draw tenuous conclusions about the reasons your older son went astray.
I'm sorry to be critical.I am just playing the devil's advocate in order to challenge you, etc. The writing is very good!