What Problems Do Single Parents Face in Finding Childcare?
Single parenthood provides parents with unique opportunities to bond with their children. As every single parent knows, though, raising a child on your own poses many challenges. Childcare can be particularly difficult for single parents, both because these parents do not have another parent to lean on and because the budgets of single parents are typically smaller than two-parent families.
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Cost
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Because single parents do not rely on a second wage-earner, the cost of childcare can be prohibitive, particularly for parents who need full-time care. Karen Relstab of Aupair News points out that daycare is frequently $1,000 or more per month, and nannies charge several hundred dollars per week. Consider using a nanny share, in which one nanny cares for two families' children and the parents split the cost. Teenage baby-sitters are also less expensive and can be a cost-effective option for older children who do not require in-depth care.
Quality
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Quality childcare is difficult to find in the best of circumstances. For in-home care, it requires extensive interviewing and reference-checking. When parents use daycare, they will need to visit the facility and ask lots of questions to ensure that it is a good fit. For tired, single parents who do not have a spouse available to help, the search for quality childcare can be daunting. Try asking a friend or family member to help you in your search, or get recommendations for care providers from other parents you trust.
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Pick-Up Times
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Traffic, extraordinarily long meetings and other factors can all interfere with a parent's ability to pick up his child from daycare or to relieve a nanny of her daily duties. Single parents can't rely on a spouse to pick up their child if they're running late, and many facilities charge fees for late pick-ups. If your job frequently requires late hours or you live in an area with lots of traffic, develop a back-up plan. Hire a nanny who is willing to be flexible or ask a trusted friend or relative to pick up your kids when you are unable to do so.
Consistency
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Children thrive in an environment of consistency, especially children who have recently experienced the divorce of their parents. Unfortunately, this can prove challenging for single parents. They may find that they have to frequently switch childcare providers when their schedules or budgets change. However, when parents are willing to extensively interview care providers and choose care providers to ensure flexibility and make careful childcare budgets, these problems can be avoided.
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References
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, Scott A. Miller, Ross Vasta; 2008
- "The Parents We Mean to Be"; Richard Weissbourd; 2010
- "Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent"; David Frisbie, Lisa Frisbie
- Aupair News; Childcare Options Cost Comparison; Aupair News
Resources
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