When planning avacation, it’s hard to think about anything else. Even if the trip is still 274 days away, your mind might start drifting off to a warm Italian beach or the Swiss countryside when you look out the window. And having something to look forward to can get you through the most difficult days at work!
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Finding reliable and affordable childcare is a challenge for many parents
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There are many aspects ofparentingthat make the job challenging, but finding reliable childcare can definitely be one of the hardest parts, at least when your kiddos are young. According to the UK government’sannual surveyof parents about “childcare and early years,” 35% of moms and dads feel like there aren’t enough childcare institutions in their area. 21% of parents also reported having trouble finding childcare flexible enough to meet their family’s needs.
Cost is an important factor to consider when trying to find childcare as well. 34% of parents with children who are 4 years old or younger find it “difficult” or “very difficult” to cover the cost of childcare. And on average, these families are paying about £100 each week to make sure their kids were looked after.
Unsurprisingly, this is an issue in theUnited Statesas well.NPRreports that 1 in 3 working families struggle to find the childcare they need, and 44% of households with kids have been “facing serious financial problems.”
A report fromCare.comfound that, on average, daycare in the US costs $343 per week, while having a nanny typically costs $827 weekly. Because of this, most parents are spending over a fifth of their household income on childcare. And many admit to spending 29% of their savings on making sure their kids are taken care of.
To learn more about this topic, we reached out toparenting expert and Founder ofPregnant Chicken, Amy Morrison. She was kind enough to have a conversation withBored Pandaand explain what can cause parents to be stuck withoutchildcare.
“It’s important to respect boundaries and recognize that childcare is your issue to solve, not the responsibility of the people supporting you”
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So is there anything moms and dads can do to try to be prepared for these situations?
“However, it’s important to consider that expecting family members to be available at the last minute isn’t always fair,” Amy added. “They have their own commitments and shouldn’t be expected to step in at the drop of a hat.”
“That said, it’s important to respect boundaries and recognize that childcare is your issue to solve, not the responsibility of the people supporting you,” she added.
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