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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

The Pros and Cons of Child Care

April 10, 2017 by Katie Haller

I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while now because I’m sure that there are a lot of new parents out there struggling with the idea of daycare.  It’s never easy to think about leaving your baby in someone else’s care, but many parents do it every day.  I have been working in early childhood settings ever since I graduated from college with my degree in child development.  I’ve been an infant teacher, toddler teacher, and administrator at child care centers, so I know what it’s like to work in a child care center and take care of other people’s children.  It’s not always easy.  I also understand now just how hard it can be from a parent’s perspective.  I dropped off Jack for his first day of daycare when he was just shy of 8 weeks old.  It was not an easy day for me.  I remember that feeling of having to trust a complete stranger with my precious baby.  This is why I feel like I am the perfect person to write a post on the pros and cons of daycare. 
It’s often a personal or a financial decision to continue to work after having a child.  For me, it was a mix of both.  My husband and I felt that we weren’t at the financial place we wanted to be at to support our family with just one income, so I continued to work.  Plus, I actually like my job.  It has been the best job that I’ve had since I graduated college and I wasn’t ready to give that up yet, so after a short maternity leave, I went back to work.  I’m grateful that I don’t work too long of hours and I do have a lot of flexibility with my job if needed, plus it was nice knowing that my husband was able to be home with Jack most days in the beginning.  For the first 9 months, my husband stayed home with Jack 2-3 days a week, which was nice. We found a small Christian child care center close to our home that had the right price.  At first, I had my concerns about leaving him, but overall I’m happy with the setting and Jack seems to love it.  His teachers are very sweet and I can tell when I drop him off that he’s in good hands.
So what are the cons of starting your baby in child care?  Here is what I came up with. 
1.) It’s not you 
If you are planning on heading back to work after having a baby, one thing that you have to accept is that no one is going to take care of your baby the same way that you will.  I knew that things would be different if it was just me taking care of Jack.  It’s hard for teachers to care for your child the same way that you would because it’s a different setting and there are other children that need their attention too.  You have to accept that your baby will eat differently, sleep different and play differently while they are away from you and that’s okay. 
2.) Child care staff turn over
Child care jobs are some of the lowest paid jobs out there.  Many places require the bare minimum qualifications of their teachers and pay them minimum wages, while other higher quality programs have higher standards for their teachers and still only pay them a little over minimum wage.  This is why many child care centers are a constant revolving door.  Just in the first few months that Jack was at his center, he had a number of teachers come and go.  As a parent it makes you question what is going on behind closed door.  All you can really do is trust that anyone who takes a job to work with young children has there heart in the right place.  
3.) Germs and Illness
Unfortunately, children can carry lots of germs and with germs comes illness.  I’ve seen lots of children start in a child care settings and then get sick quickly, because they have never been exposed to the foreign germs.  My best advice for that is to start your baby early.  The earlier you expose them to the germs the more their little immune system can build up a tolerance. I’d also recommend breastfeeding.  Breastmilk has antibodies in it that help protect against infection.  The month that I stopped breastfeeding Jack, he got his first ear infection.  He never even had a runny nose before that.
4.) No one-on-one care
Most centers have a 1:4 ratio in the infant room, which means that your precious little one and only is going to have to share the attention.  It’s impossible for the teachers to attend to your baby perfectly, so in some cases, they might have to cry and not be held and comforted right away.  They might have to wait for their food longer than at home.  It’s just the reality of not being the only one to care for. 
After listening the cons, I have to end on a positive note and tell you the pros of child care. 
1.) SOCIALIZATION! 
It is so cute to see Jack start to interact with his friends.  He’s the first child in our family, so he doesn’t have any siblings at home to interact with and learn from.  I love that he can go to school and play with his little buddies.  You would be amazed with how early children start to engage with their peers and learn from each other. 
2.) Helps build up their immune systems
I mentioned that illness is a con of daycare, but on the opposite side of that, the germs that they are exposed to can also be a benefit of child care.  It definitely helps build a child’s immune system.  Parents who keep their kids at home until preschool or kindergarten often find that their kids get sick all the time.  As I said before, the earlier you expose them to germs, sometimes the better. 
3.) Curriculum 
Most child care centers have a curriculum that they follow, even with babies.  They do learning activities with them throughout the day. They paint, read books, dance, do sensory exploration, it all helps meet their developmental needs.  When choosing a center, I would ask about the curriculum and find out how they implement it with the infants and toddlers.

4.) Cheaper than a Nanny
My husband and I had thought about getting a nanny who could be flexible with our schedule needs, but after doing the math it was just not worth the cost.  It was much cheaper for us to pay for full time care at a child care center than it was to pay for part time care with a nanny.  When looking into child care, look at the price and see what they offer, but you are almost always going to find that a child care center is cheaper than a private nanny.

Honestly, child care can be a really great thing for you and your baby, but you really need to decide if it’s the right fit for you as a parent.  It’s a personal decision that you have to make as a parent. 

 Are you a parent looking to enroll in child care?  I’d be happy to answer any questions from a parent or teacher’s perspective.

Related posts:

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Filed in: Baby, Baby on a Budget, Mom Life, Mom Tips, Motherhood • by Katie Haller • 5 Comments

Comments

  1. Christine

    April 15, 2017 at 4:00 am

    So great to hear all the positive things of day care! Everyone focuses on the negative aspects while there are benefits too. I love that you address the fact that not everyone has the choice of whether or not to use day care, and others make the choice based on what's best for their individual circumstances. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Shani Ogden

    April 16, 2017 at 3:50 am

    My mom had to put me and my sister in day care when she was a single parent. I don't really have many memories of it (good or bad). I haven't had to put my kids in day care, but if I did, I really like all of the things you mentioned to look into when choosing a place.

    Reply
  3. Justine Y @ Little Dove

    April 16, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    I think the first point is definitely hard. I'm able at this point in time to stay home with our children, but as my husband and I are working on our wills and trying to determine who will get guardianship of our children it's so hard because you know no one is actually YOU and will parent your children like you do.

    Reply
  4. Katie Margaret

    April 20, 2017 at 1:51 am

    I'm glad it you liked the post! Thanks for reading!

    Reply
  5. Katie Margaret

    April 20, 2017 at 1:56 am

    I think it's important to remember that even though it's not you taking care of your kids, that doesn't mean that it's a bad thing. It's just different and that's okay.

    Reply

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I look forward to my PM skincare routine every nig I look forward to my PM skincare routine every night! It's probably my favorite time of the day!! Here is what I am currently using!

Products are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for all the details! Also check out my blog post today! I am sharing my daily mom beauty routine! Every is linked in my bio! 

#pmskincare #skincare #skincareroutine #versedskincare #cerave #momselfcare #momlife #affordableskincare #affordablebeauty #michiganblogger #momstyleblogger
🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤 I just 🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤

I just realized that I don't think that I have missed a daily outfit post in 2023 yet. That means that I have shared every outfit that I have worn so far this year, which is pretty good! 

I have always loved sharing my real life daily outfits. I always shared my work outfits when I was teaching preschool, but after I stopped working it was harder for me to stay consistent on sharing my daily outfits because I didn't think my SAHM outfits were "instagram worthy". Last year I decided that I should try sharing a round up in a reel to show what I actually wore on a daily basis and it's been so fun ever since! 

So many of you told me that you found me through these reels and that makes me so happy! I hope these outfits help you step up your daily style even if you are only potty training a toddler that day. (Like I am at the moment 🤣) 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits!

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #winteroutfits #everydayoutfits
Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an o Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an overnight staycation without the kids. I wanted an outfit that was practical for the cold weather and the afternoon, but also something I could wear out for a nice dinner later on in the evening. This is what I decided on...

✨ I like wearing bodysuits under my clothes in the winter. They help keep me warm and also cover up any skin that might show through when you sit. 

✨ My plum sweater from @gibsonlook transitioned perfectly from day to night. (Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 for 10% off!)

✨ For pants and shoes I wore @express skinny jeans for day time. They work best with my Chelsea boots. Then for night I wanted to wear my favorite lightwash straight leg jeans (old) with heels. 

✨ Cute outerwear is so important in the winter. You have to layer up when it's cold and you plan on walking around outside. I found my camel wool coat to be warm, especially with my hat and scarf. I also wore thick boot socks to keep my feet and ankles warm! 

Head over to the @shop.ltk app to shop this look! You can either download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #datenightoutfit #dateday #valentinesdayoutfit #winterdateoutfit #winteroutfits #winterstyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #momoutfitinspo #outfitideasforyou
Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent clos Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent closing clean out. I go through my closet seasonally to get rid of the clothes that aren't getting worn, but at the end of last year I felt like my closet had an overload of clothes and I needed to do a major refresh! 

I ended up parting ways with a lot of clothes, but there were some that I keep every time I do a clean out because they are my favorites and still hold their value in my wardrobe. 

✨Little black dress- I bought in 2011 for my rehearsal dinner. 
✨ Polka- dot blouse from @lclaurenconrad I bought in 2014. 
✨Metallic skirt- I bought this in 2011 to wear for Christmas Eve. 
✨ Chambray button down shirt. I bought it in 2014 at Target and I haven't found a better one to replace it with. 
✨ Thrifted @oldnavy denim jacket. These just get better with wear! 
✨ Gold strappy sandals I bought in 2007 to wear to a fraternity formal in college. They still get worn when I need a fun shoe! 

What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

#cleaningoutmycloset #closetcleanout #shoppingyourwardrobe #shopyourcloset #wearitloveit #thriftythursday #weartheclothes #styleinspo
As you can see, shopping is challenging with a tod As you can see, shopping is challenging with a toddler, so let me help you shop! I'll take one for the team and bring my 2-year-old in the fitting rooms with me so you don't have to! 😉

Here's what I found at @target this week 👇🏻

✨A New Day High-Rise Slim Straight Leg Ankle Pants- Brown- 2- This is a great dress pant option.  They have elastic in the back so the stretch. They fit TTS.  No petite length available. 
✨Universal Thread Realax fit button-down-shirt- White and Navy striped- Small- Both these color tops are going on my spring wish list! I love the relax fit and the material! They fit TTS! $25
✨Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Straight Fit Jeans- 2/regular- I am loving the fit and style of these jeans! So cute for spring! They fit TTS! $28
✨A New Day Striped Long sleeve T-shirt- Small- This is a great t-shirt.  I love the boxy fit. It comes in other colors. Fits TTS! $12
✨A New Day Blazer- xsmall- This blazer caught my eye. The material is great for spring. It fits TTS. It is currently not available on the website, but I will link it when it becomes available. 
✨A New Day Cami- small- I actually already own this cami! It’s one of my favorite spring tops! Perfect to layer a blazer or cardigan over. 
✨A New Day Slide Sandals- 7 ½- Cute slide sandals for spring! I love the little heel! They fit TTS!
✨A New Day Mule Heels- 7 ½- I love the straps on these heels.  They are very comfortable! Available in multiple colors. 
✨Universal Thread Triple Compartment crossbody purse- Love this crossbody bag! If you are looking to downsize your mom purse this is it! It has 3 compartments and the strap makes it easy to wear. 

Details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Find the link to it in my bio! 

#targettryon #targetfinds #targetstyle #targetdoesitagain #springstyle #affordablefashion #shoppingideas #wearitloveit #momstyle #michiganblogger #shoppingonabudget
This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagra This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagram friends to bring you some Valentine’s Day outfit ideas! ❤️ We will be sharing outfits all week long so make sure you are following along! I know you will find some great ideas! 👇🏻

Monday- @thriftywifehappylife and @asimplelifeblog 
Tuesday- @getschooledinfashion 
Wednesday- @mrssarahgoodman 
Thursday- @momthechaoscoordinator 
Friday- @corriellington 

Today is my day! I'm sharing 3 Valentine’s Day looks for different occasions! 
Look 1- Wear to volunteer in the classroom party
Look 2- Wear on a date night or girls night out. 
Look 3- Wear to work!

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#valentinesdayoutfit #vdayoutfit #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #styleover35 #momstyle #simpleoutfits #michiganblogger
What I wore as a SAHM this week! This week my out What I wore as a SAHM this week!

This week my outfits are all over the place because that's how our week was. Plus I have a bonus outfit so I thought I would share where I wore these outfits! 

Monday- Home with a sick kid
Tuesday- Home and school pick up
Wednesday- Home for a snow day
Thursday- Home for snow day number 2
Friday- Ran errands aka went to Target 🎯
Saturday afternoon- Dropped off kids with my in-laws and went to Canada 🇨🇦 for a little staycation/date night at @caesarswindsor with my husband. 
Saturday night- Dinner and drinks
Sunday- Picked up kids and preparing for the week ahead. 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#sahmstyle #sahmoutfit #momoutfits #momootd #wiw #realoutfitgram #whatiwore #momstyle #outfitinspiration #outfitinspo #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #michiganblogger #michiganmoms
I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my s I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my stories and you guys loved it! It's my favorite heart sweatshirt because it's neutral colors so I get to wear it year round, but I especially love wear it around Valentine's Day! 

Here are some ways I've worn it! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨Find it on my Amazon storefront! The link is in my bio! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #heartsweater #valentinesoutfit #valentinesdayoutfit #outfitideas #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits
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