​Is childcare worth the cost?

With the rising cost of living, parents often complain about the soaring childcare cost. They often get confused if childcare is worth the cost. Well, childcare facilities definitely charge a good amount, you feel as if you are paying another mortgage. However, there are various aspects that determine if childcare is worth the cost or not. Everyone has their own perspective about high childcare cost. 
 
Many working parents often consider childcare costs as their biggest money worry that keeps them working. According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the actual childcare costs have almost doubled in the last twenty five years. Though, the cost may vary for different places. Most parents cannot avoid childcare expenses particularly if they don’t have a friend or a relative to help them. And if they do have a relative or a friend to help them, they cannot just leave their child with them while they are out for their work because even the relatives cannot afford to spend their time looking after somebody else’s children, they have to work too.
 
Childcare costs definitely puts limitation on the budget, but still it is worth it. The working parent can make more money as compared to a stay-at-home parent. Moreover, if a working parent leaves the job, not only will he or she lose the annual salary, but will also have to fight hard to get back the income level they once earned.
 
There are other options that a parent can choose to avoid childcare cost. Well these options do not come with high quality. For example:

• Hiring a nanny.
• Depending on family members for free childcare.
• Adjusting the work hours with partner so that one partner is at home for the child, hence saving on childcare cost.
• Contract for part time childcare.
• Leave the job forever.

 
Although these options seem feasible, you have to compromise on the quality or on your job. What a high quality childcare facility offers your child is far better than these affordable childcare options mentioned above.
 
Generally most parents think that if schools look after their kids for free, then why not a childcare facility. However, they fail to understand that a good childcare facility inculcates those habits and knowledge that will mould the child into a better adult. Small things like tying a shoe lace, or saying some alphabets or learning arts and crafts etc. may not seem a big deal now, but it will definitely be greatly meaningful in future. Though the question still remains if childcare is worth the cost? For a middle class family, it is tough for them to manage the high cost, however, keeping other things in mind, they can still manage to pay for childcare because they can earn more while on job than sit at home and look after the child. Moreover, not forgetting the benefits that child enjoys while in a childcare facility.

If you are in Albany and considering the investment in childcare for your child, please consider calling TSL Adventures, we would be happy to answer your questions.