As soon as we have children, the hard choices begin - how to diaper, how to feed - and whether to take the child to daycare or look into yet another option - homecare.
The debate rages: is it best for your child to stay at home with mom, or be socialized at daycare?
This continuing argument makes me sadder than anything. As mothers (working or stay-at-home moms), we are all mothers trying to do the best for our children. Many mothers (such as my own) worked because they had too. Through no fault of her own, she was a single mother – staying home with us was not an option, although I’m sure that is what she wanted in her heart.
I, myself, have a career that makes it easy to be at home with my children. (Although I must admit, it isn’t always easy working from home while trying to raise children!)
Both options can be challenging, but as difficult as it is for mothers to return to the workforce after the birth of a child, as a community, we’ve made it that much harder by putting restrictions on her return (such as the glass ceiling) and binding the working mother with archaic social customs that dispute the character of any mother who leaves her child in the care of someone else.
We all make our choices in regards to what works best in our own lives – with the children – spouse – or no spouse we have to live with – why then can’t society respect that choice?
Daycare Choices
Yet another issue rattling around in my head is that the society of late has seemed to dismiss is the family caregiver. Why have we turned away from a third option; care for our children by a family member – or by a close associate in our own home? Homecare once was a viable option - what has happened to it?
In homecare, children remain in surroundings they are comfortable – if a parent works overtime – or is working a second or third shift, the child can be fed, helped with homework, bathed and put to bed – all on the schedule and in the place, they are accustomed!
Your sitter doesn’t have to be a ‘nanny,’ but a mature, reliable teenager or elderly neighbor who is acquainted with your family and can easily provide the security and warmth and, more importantly, routine you could in your home.
Even though we hesitate to make a choice of childcare based upon cost, in reality, it can be a huge influence! This third option can sometimes not only be the best for the children, but the most cost effective as well!
Discussion!
Take a look at our discussion questions below and then join us as the debate rages!
- Why did you make the choice to work or not to work?
- If you chose to work: What are the issues –the pros and cons of using each of these options for daycare?
- What did you use?
- Would you change your option if you could?
