31st Dec
The family dynamics of modern society are vastly different to those of older generations. Many, if not most, families live miles apart – countries apart – and it’s no longer a matter of popping into mum’s down the road to drop the kids off for an hour or two of respite.
A new study By One Poll highlights the importance of childcare support and reveals that 1 in 5 mums with toddlers are so exhausted by the pressures of parenting they only enjoy half the time they spend with their little ones.
* 52% of mums with children under 5 didn’t have any childcare support because they couldn’t afford it.
* 76% of mums wish for just an hour or two child-free time a week.
* 43% said they would employ more childcare if they could afford it.
* 25% of those who didn’t use any childcare said a lack of good quality care in their area was the reason.
The study also asked mums how they felt about using childcare:
* A positive 33% of all mums said childcare was a good thing for them and their children; half cited developing socialisation skills as the biggest positive for their child.
* But almost a quarter (22%) of said they felt guilty about using childcare.
Raising children, no matter the age, is tiring – and it’s okay to admit it. We love our babies and family is the most rewarding thing in the whole world… but it requires work and dedication and sometimes we need a little help!
I think that the notion of ‘family’ needs to transcend blood-ties; we need to build ‘family’ though community. Mums need to develop a network of neighbours and friends who live locally (other mums we meet at school, gym, church wherever) who can be relied on to help out with childcare emergencies or just if another mum needs a break.
It takes some guts and perhaps requires us to step out of our comfort zone but all in the name of a free minute from a tiresome (albeit loveable) toddler – worth it I think!
While you muster that community spirit and start the process of redefining the notion of family, visit Childcare.co.uk – an online meeting platform designed to help match parents with local childcare provider – if you are in need for a babysitter, nanny or registered childminder (it’s a free service).
Written by: Andrea Zanin
I can relate to this post. I have very little respite and being the mom to a toddler VERY active energetic boy is rough some times I feel delirious with tiredness. I have yet to find an easy solution because as you noted childcare is expensive and I recently transitioned to being a SAHM, so income is even smaller… sigh…