Weighing Child Care Options

Before your maternity or paternity leave benefits run out, a tough decision has to be made concerning who will care for your child when you go back to work. Yes, that day will come faster than you think! This decision has emotional, financial and philosophical angles to consider and can really be a difficult one to make. Each choice has positive and negative aspects, so you’ll want to pick the one that provides the most benefits to your family.

Commercial daycare or home-based daycare centers are the most common choices for child care. They are regulated by various state and local rules and children have the opportunity to socialize starting at a young age. Most have a wide variety of learning activities every day, preparing your child for the rigors of school. If your child is sick, most daycare centers asks you to find alternative care. It is always wise to research individual daycare centers so you are assured your child is receiving the proper care. In some major cities, the cost of day care has gotten high enough that many parents are considering hiring a full-time nanny to care for their children instead.

A nanny or in-home babysitter provides your child with the comfort of staying in their home. There is no need to awaken a sleepy child and transport them to daycare, a big bonus for most parents! You set the rules, and your child receives one-on-one interaction with a caring adult. The negatives are the nanny has no supervision while you are away from home. You are also responsible for employment taxes, insurance and background checks, which might make this option unaffordable for your family. You’ll also have to make alternate arrangements for care if the nanny is ill.

 

An au pair is a third option that many find affordable and enjoyable for both the family and the child. It might be a little tricky finding the perfect fit for your family, but an au pair is usually cheaper than commercial daycare or a nanny!

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