Planning for Childcare, Before Conception!

Recently, I was at a birthday party where I met a new mother. She was expressing her disappointment in her in-laws and parents for leaving her hanging when it came to childcare for her son. She felt that they should be helping her take care of her son while she works. She even expressed that they were shirking their responsibility to help her.

Parents choosing to put their children in a daycare center can expect to pay on average $200 to $300 per week, per child. 

To be honest, I was shocked. I honestly never believed or had any expectation that our parents “should” be helping us take care of our children. If they are able and want to, GREAT! If they are not in a position to, or don’t have the desire, they shouldn't be expected to come to our aid. These are our children, not theirs.

That being said, childcare is something that you should be thinking about well before your child is born. Consider whether or not you want to be home with your child all or some of the time; whether or not you have family that would be willing to take care of your children while you work; or whether or not you’ll need daycare.

Even if you decide to leave your job to stay home and care for your child, you’ll need to figure out what you’ll do to offset the loss of income. You may want to consider finding something you could do to earn money from home if your spouse's income won't cover all of your expenses. You may even decide to continue to work, but on a staggered schedule with your spouse, so that one of you will be available to the baby. If that is something that you decide to do, don’t forget to work out time together as well, so that your relationship doesn’t suffer.

If daycare is going to be needed, be sure to look into pricing and availability for the facility that you want to use. Many of the well-loved and respected daycare facilities have a waiting list. (You may even need to put your name on the waiting list before you conceive!)

Consider choosing a facility that is close to work, instead of close to home, so you have to opportunity to stop by for a visit on your lunch breaks. There are places that emphasize education, music, or activities. Make sure you have a list of what is important to you, and ask lots of questions. Many daycare centers offer an online video-feed, so you can check in on your little pumpkin from any secure internet connection. Make a list of what things you need, want, and think would be nice to have from the place you'll want to entrust your little love to.

If you are going to leave your child with your parents, make sure that there are clear expectations of both parties; and lay out all scenarios on the table so that one or both parties don’t feel upset or taken advantage of.

I know this may seem like more of a business transaction than taking care of a baby, but in truth, isn’t your child your most important business?

What are you planning to do for childcare? Do any of the daycare options you love have waiting lists?