Bit bemused by the current news stories about the cost of childcare.
I'm a different generation, of course, and I can't get my head around working just to pay for childcare.
Any young mums and/or dads out there make it a bit clearer for me?
(This is not a sarcastic or sardonic dig at changed times, just a genuine request for help in understanding)
morddyd
Like you I'm one of the older generation who, prior to undertaking any of life's millstones; mortgages, children, hire purchase (called credit today I think) a careful appraisal of income was undertaken and if you couldn't afford it, you didn't get it.
cc
I don't have any children,but I reckon a lot of the caring is done by the grandmothers and grandfathers,and other relatives - with 'No Charge'.
"If you want to pay your mortgage you both have to work,"
I appreciate that, but if one set of wages is going in childcare costs how is that helping to pay the mortgage?
In my town, of Glasgow, there has been an 'explosion' of foreign children,
Who pays for their care?
Here is the link. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-14806886 The picture is not clear but in effect the cost of childcare is taking up all or the majority of the earned income for low wage households as a result the "benefits" of a second income, eg holidays, are not available.
In some cases other essential items like food and fuel are cut back as part of the savings to pay for childcare.
Rick'scafe - the long established Indian and Pakistani community in the south-side of Glasgow now have 'competition' by the massive influx of eastern Europeans in the past 3 years.I know what I am talking about.I am suggesting, that the young 'foreign' mothers do not have their 'grannies and grandas' to look after their offspring.I would also suggest, the mums do not work, but rely on child benefits.
fm
Good hypothesis. Thanks. In the absence of an answer from someone directly affected I will stick with that.
AitchBee
Would appreciate it if you would take your prejudices to your own dedicated thread, rather than attempt to make mine something it's not and was never meant to be.
morddwyd - I can only honestly relate my observations, as I always do, in all of my posts.
When I was married, my wife and I managed to share child care by one of us working part time and fitting working time around our son's needs.
My son who works in Sweden has a daughter and tells me they have a very good system of child care provided by the state. They are very happy with the arrangement that the state provides and apparently it's high quaility child care too.
My daughter cannot afford to pay childcare all week as it would exceed her wage packet.
My grandsons care is shared, parents working hours have been cut due to the recession so it works out OK.
Granny 1 on Monday
Granny 2 on Tuesday
Mummy has Wednesdays off
Nursery on Thursday
Daddy has Friday off
Not sure of how palming off to different people is affecting him but he seems happy enough when he's with us.
But one day is enough for me I need the rest of the week to recover ;0)