Looks like I’m not the only one with childcare on my mind.  A recent news article says, “Next to rent or mortgage payments, child care ranks as the second-highest expense in a household budget.”  The article goes on to offer suggestions on how to reduce the costs of childcare. 

Childcare is one reason I’m looking for ways to work at home, and we don’t even have kids yet!  I know I’m not alone.  Everyone parent I know is constantly looking for ways to keep their childcare costs in check.  One of my friends cut her schedule, another telecommuntes one day a week, and another is lucky enough to have her mom watch the kids.  Another couple I know has a lovely lady who watches their children, and even though their house is too small they are afraid to move until after their kids are older.  They don’t want to lose the great babysitter they have (and she’s cheaper than traditional childcare program besides.)

What are some of the ways you’ve changed your life in order to make adjustments for childcare?  Have you changed jobs?  Stayed at home?  Tried to telecommute?  

Image from Morguefile.

Post from: Blisstree

Getting Creative for the Sake of Childcare

I caught an interesting article the other day regarding a study from the University of Cambridge that said “most Britons believe that family life suffers if women work, prompting headlines about the death of ‘Supermum’.”

Ooooh… that word…. “supermom.”  It makes me cringe.  Because WHY does it always seem to be the women that deal with this issue?  You don’t hear of many dads that are called “superfathers.”  (And I know you’re out there guys so please do speak up – we need your opinions on this as well.) 

In the article, women chat about daycare, working, and how they made the decision to either stay home or work.  I don’t think this is an easy decision for anyone.  Several of the women say they worked out the idea of who was going to stay home with the kids before they even got married. 

I think this article helps prove that perhaps more than anything it’s the “supermom” title that’s been beaten to death.  Moms are just trying to do the best for their kids and family, regardless of where they end up.  The answer is simple – there isn’t one clear cut decision you can make as a parent about staying home or going to work.  Everyone does the best they can, and whatever their decision, it’s the best for their own family.  We can’t as outsiders look at someone else and judge the situation.

What are your thoughts on this title of “supermom“?

Post from: Blisstree

Death of the “Supermom”?