Childcare Options for Working Moms
Au Pairs, Nannies, Babysitters, Day Care, Pre-schools & Kindergarten
Childcare for working mothers can mean nannies, day care, babysitters, or even a school. Only a the mother can decide what is best for her family.
Working in an office or other setting away from home usually requires all day care for little ones and after school care for school age children. Many working mothers have several options available for selecting the optimum care for their children.
Childcare in the Home
One of the most desirable solutions for many parents, especially those with many young children, is to have a caregiver come to the house in the mother’s absence. The mother is able to leave for work without making necessary stops by various schools or babysitters, and children are able to be home where they are in familiar territory and thrive.
Many of the au pairs, nannies and babysitters also do some routine housework as well, which is a great ease on the other burdens of motherhood. The trick to this style of care is ensuring the individual in the home is trustworthy, has quality references, and is compassionate and caring. The downside of in-home care is that older children may not benefit from the socialization other forms of childcare provide.
Day Care
Day care is one of the most commonly-mentioned methods of childcare, and is especially popular for before and after school care. Multiple caregivers work in rooms assigned to children of specific ages. States mandate how many children can be assigned to each caregiver, so in most rooms there are at least two adults at a given time.
Many day cares provide meals and have planned activities throughout the day that help establish children in a routine. They also encourage interaction with other children which is beneficial at almost any age, and can be an exciting place to visit for children who enjoy extra stimulation.
The most commonly cited downside to formal day cares is the abundance of children and the consequential abundance of germs. Many children are prone to bugs and colds that seem to be always present no matter how often everything is sterilized. On the other hand, many children have very few illnesses and build up a stronger immune system by being exposed to others.
Babysitters
Individuals who watch children at their home may be certified as a day care or babysitter. These individuals keep multiple children of varying ages in their home and styles can vary greatly by sitter.
Some babysitters focus on organized activities and schedules, while others have a decidedly more open concept. As babysitters work out of their own home, they often keep children for shorter hours than a traditional daycare, but may be more flexible about mothers working part-time or with odd hours.
Pre-schools
In some communities, preschool starts as young as 18 months. Some specialized schools for children offer curriculum at a very young age, often starting at birth, which builds as the child progresses through the years. These schools range in quality, much as any facility would, but many working mothers enjoy knowing their children not only have a chance to play and nap away from home, but enjoy a learning opportunity as well.
Schools can be more expensive than other child care options, but many feel the ends justify the means. Many schools build in levels from infants or toddlers through a private kindergarten.
The right childcare for each family depends on the specifics of the mother. Every mother must consider the options available to her and find the best solution to her childcare needs.
