Struggles in the child care industry

[@NancyMitchell1965]

I taught at a preschool because I loved it and it was a good part-time job when my kids were little. I had both a teaching credential and a master's degree so I was overqualified. I loved it for seven years. Then, the school district put a special needs child in my class who needed a full-time aide but didn't get one. It wasn't fair for him, me, and the other 20 kids. I was no longer a preschool teacher; I was a babysitter. I left soon after. Parents need to speak out when they see that teachers are being asked to do superhuman feats.

[@QAsession]

That is the dilemna many educators are facing. States have eliminated self-contained classes for special needs students and put the wonderful SPED teachers back in gen-ed classes with a potpourri of children hosting a plethora of learning styles all blended in with special needs students. Theres only so much a teacher can do. They often end their day exhausted. So, not only are daycares facing these issues, but schools, where high stakes testing occurs yearly, face the exact same problem. Its the powers that be making these horrific changes to education. Whats a teacher to do but 1. Quit or 2. Grin and bear it.

[@DoveyTheWriter]

You’re right! However parents don’t care. I’ve been in the childcare industry for five years and they do not care. You can tell them About your struggles and they’ll sympathize or pretend but as long as it doesn’t directly affect them they won’t say anything. But what they don’t know is that by not helping us and speaking up for us they’re going to loose childcare.🤷🏿‍♀️ a lot of teachers are leaving the teaching field in general and if people think we will be willing to put up with crap in the early childhood industry then they’re sorely mistaken.

[@tanyagivens4338]

@@DoveyTheWriter more likely then not, the parents are more focused on paying their bills and prevent homelessness as well as eating. And when the kids are younger, sometimes resources are not available.

[@chelseakstewlover]

Yes I know what you mean but sadly preschool parents aren’t usually aware of their child’s special needs and we can’t say anything. I had one in a Montessori preschool class who on top of being special needs didn’t speak English. It was a struggle

[@panicatlabiblioteca]

Yep

[@kyranicole6899]

I am a preschool teacher, and it is so deeply saddening that we make basically less than fast food employees. It’s no wonder childcare is in crisis. I can’t afford to live on my own, I am still with my parents and have no health insurance bc most jobs don’t offer benefits either.

[@onairwitherika4644]

and its a shame because we the parents are paying 1,000 a month to have our children there. You without a doubt should definitely be paid more!

[@littleessenceacademy7673]

I hear you. This is my sixth year in childcare and I finally got health insurance, no dental yet but it’s a step up.

[@Eclassstarkisses]

Yes I agree ..they dont get paid enough..not to mention when the pandemic hit daycares was still open well most of them..and whoever they is..gave Teachers welcome back bonuses also they're getting bonuses while staying at home ..While I watched so many get sick.quit working..it was awful..And Daycare Teacher who sent to College..get pennies plus covid...smh

[@ddavis4730]

They really don't realize the amount of training we do, we aren't babysitters but qualified professionals.

[@Eclassstarkisses]

@@ddavis4730 Right ! Blame the state for that because they have to have a say in everything they want people to Teach instead of babysitting lol..All those training hours not to mention you have to pay for some of them..and dont get reimburse or anything.And not to mention the Debt you go into to go to school for it..You dont get paid enough to cover the cost..At this point I believe Daycares ,learning center needs a Union..Or its time to start boycotting..

[@user-io1nm3jn4c]

i was a paraprofessional teacher in a school district that paid $15 hour to take care of 17 special needs who are hs age and some need help in bathroom and eating and some with behavioral issues and throw desk, chairs, laptops when having an episode or try to attack other students. It was all simply too much for a check of ~ 1,500 a month. I felt like I was working for free and definitely not compensated correctly and this was 2020-2021 while covid was raging I was “essential worker” but not compensated correctly so I quit and now I work at target as a cashier get paid more than $15 and its the easiest/ stress free job. The education/ childcare industry is broken beyond belief.

[@C0smicun1vers3]

I’m a PARA too. 🥲 the work I do is not worth it for what I get paid. I’m hoping to leave eventually. Not yet tho.

[@peterrhines1516]

Extremely broken, I don't understand it.

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

I loved being a preschool teacher but it’s HARD work. The profession deserves more respect.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

@@jamesmayle3787 this has nothing to do with preschool???

[@aspinwally755]

I've worked at a childcare center for the past 3 years & I'd say there's a whole slew of issues related to the whole childcare experience... There are parents who NEED childcare (single parents or families who NEED to both work) & can't afford it, & then there are parents who treat daycare like this dumping ground for their kids because they'd rather go get their hair done or spend time at the gym. Kids who are at the center from 6:00 to 6:00, attention-starved, aggressive, & ultimately have their emotional needs neglected because they are in a classroom with 20 other kids & 2 teachers. I see kids completely overlooked in this whole daycare crisis conversation... we only ever talk about money & parents. It's apparently super controversial these days to believe that children are much better off at home with a stay-at-home parent. Even if that means less vacations or less fancy toys & a more humble living situation. Children care about your time & attention, not material items. I realize this is not the case for many families out there who struggle to keep the lights on. But in higher income areas, babies & kids are treated like part-time commitments by parents who would rather climb the cooperate ladder than invest time in raising their child.

[@Reinhardt_Kozlowski]

This is why we send our kid to pre-school part time, 8:30-12:30 4 days a week. She gets some socializing, fun activities, gets used to being away from home on her own... but she can come back at 12:30pm, eat a homemade lunch, take a nap in her comfortable bed, and spend time with either myself or mommy in the afternoon. My wife and I both have extremely flexible work schedules (though our incomes aren't that high) so we are really fortunate. But there are definitely parents at our center who put their careers first (e.g. a husband doctor + wife attorney) or stay at home moms who would rather have the whole day free doing yoga and drinking wine, that leave the kids there 11-12 hours a day :(

[@smarimer1]

Does it matter why parents use daycare? The service is provided and I pay for it, why is anybody’s business why I need it? If the place is open 6am til 6pm and I pay more than college tuition for a service, I am going to use it. You talk about higher income areas, whatever that is, I guess you believe lower income areas produce better parents, yeah right.

[@aspinwally755]

@@smarimer1 Obviously it says something about a person's character if they consistently put their own interests over their child's wellbeing,...even if daycare were to cost a dollar a day. If you do that, you shouldn't have had children. & I'm saying I worked at a daycare in a higher income area where children were there for 11 hours a day, 5 days a week, while parents simply prefer to have "me time" ALL the time. "If it's open I'm going to use it because I pay for it" These are PEOPLE you are talking about, not just money & time. It shouldn't be a matter of "getting your money's worth" when there are children involved.

[@MizaMagalhaes]

Because you pay for a service doesn't mean that you should dump your kid in that environment. Let's be realistic it is not because you pay for a service that you arr using it... there are parents that like their kids and parents that don't. If your kid is in day care for 12h you have no clue who that kid is

[@sdlorah6450]

THANK YOU for speaking up on behalf of vulnerable children who cannot speak for themselves! Children naturally want and need their mothers, not a hired caregiver. They need her consistent presence, nurturing, and care. I am so thankful that we determined to live on one salary after our children came along. My children napped in their own cribs, played with their own toys, and were raised in their own home by their mother, not by a 'center.' It can still be done today with appropriate planning, expectations, and frugal living. Moms, you are needed at home! Your children's formative years will pass quickly. Please give your homes and families your best!

[@Klgrey6341]

This needs more time and reporting. This is such a crisis.

[@chrisfinch8637]

Raising a child or starting a family, under these financial walls, is definetly not simple at all.

[@Tiger17Blue]

As a infant teacher for 2 years. I love my job and my infants very much. The main issue is ratio ( 1:5 ) and many people have the wrong idea when working with infants or in childcare in general. They think all we do is play and change the baby but it more than that. We document the children's day, lesson plan, make art every week, read, working on their individual skills and other stuff plus bottles, baby food, real food and diapers. It's alot but me and my other teacher had a schedule on feeding and bottle times to make it easier for us. Many parents do appreciate our efforts and are happy with our care while some are not. I think some parents and individuals who want to work in childcare should spend a day to a couple of days in childcare instead of a classroom, watching a video or reading a textbook.

[@LianneHutcheson]

1:5???? Oh my God!!! That is wayyyyyy too many infants for one person. You are amazing for being able to manage that. I teach music independently and the infant classes at my school do no more than 1:4. My state is 1:6… I feel like the people that make these regulations have never been in an infant class at feeding time/changing time 👀 Big hugs to you. Thank you for all you do ❤️

[@3LynnMarie1]

portia Jones what state are you in? I'm also an infant teacher in PA are ratio is 1:4 &I totally agree having schedules is the best thing keeps the stress at bay

[@ssjup81]

In my state, infant ratio is 1:4 and toddler is 1:5. What’s your toddler ratio?

[@3LynnMarie1]

@@ssjup81 1:5 for 1yrs 1:6 for 2yrs

[@ssjup81]

@@3LynnMarie1 That's interesting. For our toddlers (1 year) it's 1:5, but for our 2s, it's 1:8. Infants, as mentioned, is 1:4. For 3-5, it's 1:10.

[@allentowngal4769]

I loved doing daycare and teaching preschoolers. I did it while my kids were young and I was married- my husband made big money. When I decided to go to college I struggled with a choice in teaching or early childcare because it wouldn't pay back my education costs for 6+ years!! And history showed there wouldn't be any pay increases, so I got my BSBA instead. I hated corporate life, miss teaching, and wish there was an answer. Now ALL TEACHERS are leaving the industry in droves- in all grade levels. Nevermind gas prices, there will be no families driving to work if they don't have anyone to watch the kids.

[@greciarodriguez1790]

I was a nanny for 12 years before becoming a mother. My advice to child care workers is to find a nanny job. They pay way more! Every family I’ve worked with has been wonderful and the pay is very good! I’ve been able to afford my apartment and take my son to work with me.

[@adawkins5678]

I'm a preschool teacher at a childcare center and it's just SOOO stressful :( I would love to keep working with kids in a smaller less stressful environment but do you get any benefits as a nanny? I occasionally look up nanny jobs and the pay is great but what do I do about insurance?

[@greciarodriguez1790]

@@adawkins5678 as long as they tax you you will qualify for health insurance since you will be considered self employed. That’s what I did and I’m in texas. I pay about $224 a month it covers a lot of my dr appointments.

[@bibishabouayad9284]

Hi Grecia! Is there a website or an agency we can apply at for a nanny job? Thank you for sharing.

[@lisacorio5668]

The HIGH COST OF LIVING causes strangers, who most of the time, don't know how to love or teach children. Parents should be with their children to raise them. I worked in daycare and do not recommend people to put their children in daycares. Children need to have one on one love and attention. They do NOT get that in daycare. Some are of integrity, but not enough.

[@mhesterfer1]

I worked at two separate daycares, hoping the second one would be better. I agree with you, I will never recommend one, nor would I ever work in one ever again. I loved the babies and being of help to those parents who really needed us, but that system is total madness. Whoever decides the ratio of teacher to child must absolutely be a greedy man who doesn’t wish to pay for enough employees to give quality care. I will never understand why they are happy with the bare minimum.

[@de5072]

@@mhesterfer1 the state.. the state decides the ratios. Its up to centers to either do that ratio of have a lower ratio which in many cases cuts profits.

[@LianneHutcheson]

I have been an independent contractor music teacher in preschools for 10 years and this is just getting progressively worse. I have seen some amazing teachers leave the industry after years of teaching early childhood. I feel like the early childhood educators/administrators are the most unappreciated and underpaid group of teachers. Parents deserve excellent childcare for their kids and teachers deserve to be compensated and supported with higher wages, healthcare, and better benefits. It has been very sad to see this problem only worsen over the last 10 years. A bottle of wine is a nice thought for your kid’s prek teacher, but they also need you advocating for them. The more we do for our teachers, the more they can do for our kids. ❤️

[@myrahj1482]

Preach! This is so true.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@mhesterfer1]

I agree with other commenters…I just gave two weeks notice to my second daycare I tried to work at in NJ. Childcare systems are madness and it needs widespread attention to change. Please do a bigger story about this!

[@veenaiyer9239]

I faced the same challenge. After being an owner and director of a child care center for 18 years I sold my school just because I kept juggling between staff turnover and not being able to pay a competitive salary! It is sad that I had to let go my business, my children and parents whom I loved the most.

[@sidneyboo9704]

Thats why I think instead of K-12 public schools, it should include infant care as well. That way teachers have benefits and the parents dont have to struggle paying so much.

[@soylatte1288]

As someone who’s in school to become an infant teacher, I 100% agree. I think there should even be programs where maybe like 5th graders can observe the infants

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@ilovezac126]

great point!! adding on to that, i have my degree in early childhood with hopes of doing my own center. $10 per kid per hour as a rate, cheap for families and beneficial for workers. obviously there is a lot more going into that financially, but for lets say 5 kids for an 8 hour day, thats $400 a day and roughly 2000 a week. this would be independent work, but what an impact that could make. families would spend (maybe) $80 a day for an independent worker. just my thoughts tho, you make an excellent point as well!

[@rhiana5150]

This is so sad because being in this industry is extremely hard, stressful, and crucial. There are so many developmental milestones being checked and there is always something happening in the classroom. Someone who is uninformed or doesn't really care about the job can literally ruin a child's life. Like a lot of people said you can easily get paid more to be a cashier at basically any store and it is way easier and no take-home stresses. If I didn't have such a strong love of children there is no way I would do it. Early childhood is a little different but in general there is a reason that many parents choose private school or families with a SAHM choose to homeschool. The school system is broken and teachers are so undervalued as a whole. Childcare is one of the most important jobs in the world but it is sure not treated that way

[@lichi1244eva]

I'm a foster mother of 2 and have them in daycare because of my work schedule. I am so grateful to the caregivers at our local daycare, they need to be paid waaayyy more for the work that they do, and I give them gifts and bonuses to show appreciation for what they do and to help offset their costs. It is so disappointing how the US continues to fail its children.

[@elizabethhurtado2829]

Yup, when I worked as a single mom up north by childcare was half of my pay, its awful...

[@dod2304]

it's not just the "North". At least one of those Mom's was paying about half her salary by my calculations.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@yanettebw8754]

My two kids get sick every week they go to a daycare,I had to keep them at home to stay with them,not worth it,more expensive it is to pay the hospital when they run high in fever,or pay doctors all the time.

[@Beforchiren]

Yeap

[@soulsurvivor1979]

As a childcare worker that putting my 2 weeks in I agree u would be amazed at how many parents send their children to daycare sick last week my whole class had green and yellow mucus now Iam sick

[@maddyngo2717]

I feel the owner and the parents . But , no one who is over qualified wants to work for $13 an hour . I was making that type of money as a teenager. My teenager niece is making $17 at chick fillet and she is still a senior in high school:(

[@ssjup81]

I know I’m underpaid, but like the job. I’m getting $12/hr I think and I’m a lead teacher. When hired the director said right off the bat she wished she could pay everyone a higher wage because they deserve it for what they do.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@up-uw4op]

I tried working at a daycare after I fled domestic violence. I knew I'd never be able to afford the cost of daycare as a single parent. I was paid $0 for working at the daycare because the amount I made went directly to my children's daycare bill. Now Im unemployed because the daycare in our area closed when covid started.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@up-uw4op]

@@jamesmayle3787 I've read the entire Bible and follow it. What does that even have to do with my comment? 😂

[@up-uw4op]

@@jamesmayle3787 im guessing your comment is for my abusive ex husband. Good luck on that

[@robindavis1913]

Low pay and no benefits

[@ThereseLifestyle]

It’s crazy how our government can afford to get involved in wars but can’t help families that are struggling

[@kingcharles8799]

Struggling parents arent profitable but wars are.

[@johnbrattan9341]

@@kingcharles8799 Can you tell me why GOP lawmakers continuously block legislation that would help these families?

[@kingcharles8799]

@@johnbrattan9341 no I camnot Can you?

[@SonOftheBattleCry]

@@johnbrattan9341 because more tax

[@victoriarollins2630]

I felt this interview was too short, the industry and parenting experience is everywhere. To show many sides, it would of been informative to include big cities parents as well. They are also having to pay almost $450/500 a week, $100 a day if not able to register for some of the free/non profit daycares. Small or large town/cities, working parents have been going thru this for over 50 years. Nope hasn't gotten better. And yes, corporations/companies could assist with on-site or near Care for staff and working population near by. Staff/teacher lack of excellent pay is on top of list for Daycares. Maybe, it's time to ask daycare staff, teachers and parents their opinions and suggestions.

[@jaszlyyy]

I am a back up care nanny for when your nanny is sick or daycare is closed. My agency is provided for by companies to their employees. I think companies paying for or subsidizing the childcare or offering it as a perk or benifit like healthcare is the answer.

[@kacibeaverwestbrook1744]

I'm a preschool teacher just laid off bc I wouldn't get a COVID shot. Childcare is the hardest job other than being a stay at home mom. Which I was for 16yrs. It's very underappreciated job. There's no pay. I had a great job. 17$ an hr from 6-6 by myself with 12-16 children. It was a mess. Most of the parents didn't work and had DHS pay for their child care. I loved my job but it got to be too much stress bc there was no help. Now looking for another job and the pay is 12-13$ hr. .. it's not enough pay for the work and time it takes to be there .

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@sasham1280]

So why are all these people having kids if they can't stay home with them? What's the point of having a baby you can't financially take care of them and have to be gone at work all the time

[@A__Mina]

I plan on being very careful with my parenting choices, it’s clear we can’t rely on childcare. It’s sad most people don’t plan families that actually fit their lifestyle. Why would anyone want their child in daycare anyway?

[@ssjup81]

@@A__Mina To learn what they can’t at home.

[@miguelortiz7227]

This only applies to rural areas. I own several daycares in the city, fairly large profit. We can and do pay teachers well.

[@LianneHutcheson]

That is wonderful that you are able to profit and pay your teachers, but in my 10 years experience of being an independent music teaching living and working in preschools and daycares around Atlanta, I have found it is not a rural only problem. I have worked at some very affluent schools and they have had these same issues, especially since the pandemic began.

[@kattykat9208]

Not true. I worked in 2 major cities and most schools had no benefits and low pay.

[@ssjup81]

Then your facilities are the exceptions, not the rule.

[@QAsession]

Day care workers and nursing home aides are BOTH underpaid. And their jobs entail caring for the individual needs of humans. Meanwhile someone who _______ makes thousands a month. Fill in the blank with the job of your choice.😕

[@lilianwoo2997]

My family believes I’m throwing my life away by getting an early education degree 😢

[@alimeislin1183]

Unfortunately this is completely true. I’ll miss being an infant teacher

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@powellpicc1985]

I quit a job I really enjoyed after my second was born. The cost of childcare for two kids meant it would cost our family money if I continued working. If these tuition costs are barely supporting the workers, where is the money going?

[@de5072]

Overhead fees. Utilities (water, electricity, ac/heat, trash pick up*in some areas). Food (if the center provides snacks and meals. Insurance for themselves if major accidents happen. Licensing fees. Taxes. Umployment. On top of the wages for the workers. My biggest advice for anyone wanting to work childcare is to work for a corporate/franchised center. More likely to have better pay and possible benefits. My center offers health insurance along with a 401k with matching.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@cassandramcknight2416]

Daycaŕe providers & daycare workers should protest

[@angeliricafort2478]

Teachers need to be paid more.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@ashleighberryman9280]

I LOVE working with preschool aged children. Their START in education and LEARNING TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A GROUP SETTING and getting used to/introduced to a school environment is very benifical for a lot of children. But they can’t pay us living wages. I love my job, but I I can’t keep begging family members for bail outs because the industry won’t pay living wages for us, while expecting us to conduct ourselves at the level of teachers in a government supported school district when early child care is not supported the same way. I loved educating and helping young children, but it does not pay the bills. And when you get a special needs child? Most times it’s just one teacher in a class room with 18 other kids between ages 4-5 and now you have a child who needs your full attention….what about the other 17? Literally dropping your whole curriculum (yes most daycares require lesson planing/curriculum application from teachers for ages 3 and up, sometimes younger) to help the child and letting the others fall by the way side, only for the parent of the child in question to become angry and tell you, “you just don’t want to work with my child” meanwhile dealing with the pressure of other parents who noticed their child’s development is no longer progressing because the teacher now has her hands completely full with one child….it’s not fair to anyone.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@ashleighberryman9280]

@@jamesmayle3787 the Bible is truth and an ultimate guide to salvation. You don’t know how many times I wish I could’ve recited some scripture to the children.

[@DoveyTheWriter]

Yeah it really sucks because as a child care worker myself I might have to eventually change the field I want to be in. Not all places offer good benefits and the pay is low. I want to be able to live too. Often times even if you as a childcare worker tell parents this they don’t care and that’s because they obviously know that they would have to pay more in order to keep good teachers. Sadly it’s messed up all around. Capitalism is messing us up. The minimum wage in every state should be raised to the wage that is livable in each state. Obviously not every states livable wage is the same however companies and the states don’t want to do that. The government dosent want to do it so we will be stuck in this vicious cycle. Maybe what would help is not only child care staff coming together and boycotting the industry, reaching out to state representatives but parents chipping in to do the same. Problem is everyone is too worried about themselves so it’ll stay as is.🤷🏿‍♀️

[@juliennetully4814]

Every time minimum wage increases, prices on everything else increase, and all of the minimum wage workers are back to square one. It is a vicious cycle

[@annarocha3254]

How is capitalism the problem here?

[@de5072]

@@juliennetully4814 prices are going up regardless unfortunately:/ it'll take a major overhaul of the system for the minimum wage to catch up with inflation without toppling us over

[@jasonwood8023]

Underpaid, over stressed! 15, 3 year olds to 1 teacher is absolutely CRAZY!

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@keciaaskew5166]

@jasonwood8023 the ratio at my job is infants 1:5 toddlers 1:6 three year old children 1:10 and 4 year olds 1:12

[@denisebowman3873]

It says a lot about a society when they treat the vulnerable populations less then valuable. Our elderly and children are not supported with the consideration of the economic benefit if we poured into them. The financial benefit of foundational development of children far outweighs how we value it in this country.

[@kim_858]

This is one of many reasons why many young couples do not want to start a family. In the Albany NY area the child care costs are any where from 500 to 900 dollars a week for childcare. They can't live on one paycheck, nevermind raise a family.. it's so sad that people have to give up raising a family because of financial reasons.. 😔

[@rebeccalowe-hodges8162]

I love love being a preschool teacher. It is very sad lots of parents both work, however, I would ask them to very much look into having one parent work, have one stay home. It may mean one car or no car. Take public transit. I do. Sacrifices are hard but many things are DOABLE

[@laurac2081]

I just graduated college and got a great paying job but couldn’t find anywhere that was enrolling. Everything is full months out. I can afford to pay more than $300 or $400 a week just to make sure my baby gets the best care while I am away. Raise the day care prices. Children deserve the best care and anyone who cares for my child I am more than willing to pay them appropriately.

[@kevinr8579]

Speaking like someone who has no idea what goes on In childcare. The money doesn't go to the benefit for the students, it goes directly into the pockets of administrative.

[@laurac2081]

@@kevinr8579 if that’s the case then it will show during a tour and through asking questions. Obviously you do your research first. “Speaking like somebody who doesn’t know” woah let’s calm down here haha

[@bibishabouayad9284]

Which state do you live in? If your child is still young i would find a professional caring and compassionate caregiver, if the child is a little older it is good for him to be in a child care center to help him build his social, cognitive and emotional skills but I wouldn't let him stay for long hours at a child care center that will cause him stress and anxiety

[@CC-uq7cv]

Not everyone can afford daycare. Where I am at, the prices range from 1600 to over 2000 a month…

[@laurac2081]

@@CC-uq7cv when I was in school I couldn’t which is why I stayed home while watching my child during the pandemic then got my degree after passing two actuarial exams. My issue was at the time of this pandemic post was not being able to find care even when you could afford it. That’s the point I was making here.

[@stardust6138]

Seriously teachers and assistants in preschool/early child care need to be paid more. In some districts they ask for a lot of education but the pay is low. I work in preschool and our program is a mess. TK will now be taking children that were originally meant for preschool so our program has very low numbers. I believe some classrooms will eventually close due to low enrollment. So that means some teachers will be let go.

[@peterrhines1516]

This is ridiculous, we need to start subsidizing childcare programs NOW to the level where the staff make a decent salary.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@chinocampos4088]

Even if you make 20hr child care is too much

[@kendallpoorman6926]

We need universal subsidized early childcare in the US. Not just to help ease the exorbitant expense for families, but for centers to provide better pay

[@samanthab1923]

So sad seeing all the little ones in the cage. And the cost? It’s like two mortgage payments.

[@tsarina24honolulu87]

My problem is that if a teacher or child is sick with or without COVID, a parent can lose their job. There is no safety net. We need better options, or any at all.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@pamelamays4186]

There's a dark side to daycare. Neglect and mistreatment of children by staff who thinks it's okay to bully children.

[@sidneyboo9704]

I heard a lot of it is burnout from the high ratios and some are just POS hired because they are desperate for people.

[@KatiesCorneroftheWorld]

There is a similar issue on the other end of the age spectrum. Adult Day Service Centers were extremely affected by COVID and shutdowns. Now they too struggle with finding staff and census numbers.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@stacyg585]

I think a bigger problem than expensive childcare is people having children when they're not in stable financial situations. If you know that both you and your partner will have to work and your child will have to be in childcare all day, why are you having the child? My heart really breaks for all these infants/toddlers left in group settings all day, where they don't get that one-on-one care which is so critical in early childhood. At the core of it all is that, as a society, we do not bother educating the public enough on the rigors of parenting and the financial strains that can be faced as a parent. Of course, childcare is still necessary, but it needs to be subsidized by the government.

[@jayg5391]

Having a child when you’re not financially stable is just setting yourself and your child up for failure. Let’s just be real.

[@dorifrazer687]

My husband and I combined make a substantial income and we will be putting our baby in daycare. We can definitely afford it but we have student loans, mortgage and bills to pay. We will both be working. It's not only financially strapped people that put their children in daycare

[@up-uw4op]

I was married and a sahm when I had my kids. Then my ex husband decided he didn't want to be a parent anymore. So now Im a single parent getting no child support and I cannot afford the cost of daycare alone. So yea things happen. I didn't have a crystal ball to know that my kids dads personality was going to change after each of our kids was born.

[@stacyg585]

​@@dorifrazer687 Do you think you could have waited to have a child until your loans were paid off? Or are you literally paying them off for the rest of your life? I mean, it's crazy really. People want to have kids, but it's almost as if nearly everyone apart from the 1% is going to have large loans and financial obligation for the rest of their lives, so it's like there is no right time to have a kid if you really want to have a kid. But, at the end of the day, children are the biggest responsibility in your life, so even if you really really want a kid, you need to ask if you can truly raise him or her well before you decide to have them. Every child deserves a beautiful childhood. Every single child.

[@Raja1938]

Well, when states like Arkansas in this story are so pro-life, it's that much harder to avoid having kids you can't afford.

[@sdlorah6450]

There is no wisdom in a mother earning wages only to have her wages support her own career/job. That is what is happening in many families. Daycare expenses, a workplace-appropriate wardrobe, taxes, convenience foods (takeout/restaurant), and transportation gobble up many women's paychecks. If mothers were to stay at home during their children's formative years, raising their own children, cooking their meals, and making thrifty choices, so much grief would be eliminated, and children would benefit from the care, nurture, and protection that loving mothers can provide. In the end, many mothers net nothing money-wise from their jobs. They do net a lot more stress, sleep deprivation, and struggling marriages as a result of pursuing a career. Their children, though, are the biggest sufferers. They naturally want and need their mothers, not hired caregivers. Their sense of security, relationships, and development are all impacted by growing up in a center instead of being raised, taught, and cared for by conscientious mothers at home. Motherhood is a blessing and responsibility and much more enjoyable when not spread too thin with other obligations. On behalf of children who cannot speak up for themselves, I will say what they cannot: Mothers, you are wanted and needed at home. As an empty-nester, I am so grateful that I got to be a wife and mother devoted to my family. My time and attention were not divided by the demands of a career. I want other mothers and their families to know and enjoy the same.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@myrahj1482]

This has been the state of childcare programs and workers for decades. They only care about the unborn, not the living, breathing children or parents. Something has to give. Vote like your life depends on it because it does.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@dustinjolicoeur6138]

Are used to be a toddler teacher. My take home pay after taxes would’ve been 15 grand a year. You can’t have a mortgage and raise a family and 15 grand a year. it’s sick. But people can’t afford higher childcare rates. And most of the childcare workers don’t get health benefits especially if you running a childcare in a church. You could almost afford a shared nanny with the childcare rates that are going on right now.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@vanessaouyang1220]

Childcare is one of those things where it is a lot to pay out, but not enough to earn.

[@racheltorrence9528]

Sad to see it come to this...

[@_JanetLouise]

seems women need to choose - baby or work -

[@annarocha3254]

Yep. We all have choices to make and there are trade-offs to everything.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@urbanlumberjack]

I WISH I was only spending $10,000/year on daycare. Can’t find daycares, the ones you can find don’t give you peace of mind. It’s just bad.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@pamelabranch7438]

One parent will have to work at night and one in the day. It's tough, that's one reason l only had two. Would of liked to have three but too much and the teachers can't even afford to send their own children at the rates asked.

[@Ashley-dt2gz]

Me and my husband did this for year's untill my daughter turned 3. We put her in daycare part time

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@ilovezac126]

i teach 2's at my center. i have 8 children in my room (and no, i dont love kids or have any patience, and if you know Lisa Murphy you'll know exactly what I mean ;) ), but man i dont know if i can do this for a long time. my kids never want to leave school so parents are letting them stay until close. which is fine, id rather know theyre safe with me in my room vs. going home to an unfortunate situation (which there are quite a few in my room), but that puts me working at over 40 hours a week. its a lot.

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

So will it be more profitable for the owner of the Daycare to run an organisation to lobby for Daycares than to actually run a daycare? If so, something is wrong with this picture....

[@dod2304]

Where did you her her say organizing a Lobby would be profitable?? She said she couldn't afford healthwise to keep doing it. She may be planning to organize a lobby, but she can set the hours and work as she needs. And find other people to volunteer. Not all Lobbys are making a profit or even making money. THAT's one of the problems with this country. All appearances seem to suggest to people that PACs and Lobby's DO make a lot of money!

[@Autismteenandfam]

Teachers need to be paid more we don't even make 17hr, that's why I quit teaching

[@_JanetLouise]

tragic all the way around

[@niciredman1650]

I'm from north West AR and am staying home with my daughter bc we can't afford childcare but we make to much to qualify for assistance

[@JohnTaylor-fh4et]

We're all being hoodwinked by the Oligarchs America version. Eye of the needle guys.

[@texasbelle333]

*sigh* as much as I want to work with children again… I’d be a fool to settle for those wages again.

[@alezandradavila2581]

Sad .. ugh

[@shanahaim5935]

I’m in the UK where the gov gives free childcare but only for those that DONT WORK 🤣🤡 I earn £9.50 an hour the holiday clubs average £25 a day.. I get a tax credit of 20% off of that but with so many school holidays it’s impossible to do a full time job because no employer is gonna give me 12 weeks off a year plus all the days my kids is off with chicken pox, colds flu stomach bugs etc. so I have to work evenings and weekends around my husbands job. Just means we never see eachother

[@susieenglish302]

Yep cause the horror of the socialist Nordic countries is just so dreadful

[@sidneyboo9704]

Urgh, they are voted the happiest people in the world. Just awful! :P

[@JohnTaylor-fh4et]

When you should be bonding with your child, the economy's suck on your time is more important. Doh.

[@maryannkochanski5777]

This is very sad for struggling families!

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@jaszlyyy]

Imagine if people with Elon Musk money did things like open up affordable childcare centers in America where they could pay workers highly and afford not to make as much money in the process. This is why I always say the wrong people are billionaires. So many of America’s urgent problems could be fixed with money but instead the billionaires here are selfish and have no loyalty to the people of this country and want to do only things that make them more money

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@mariacheebandidos7183]

2:11 there always seem to be a "crisis in America" and country X is always better? if you go by headlines and news coverage, that is.

[@cross75man75]

Just maybe it's true?.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@franleck]

Just don't have children if you can't afford them.

[@cvmarquez1534]

That's absolutely right

[@MsLoperK]

Have you looked at what it takes to “afford children”? My household makes over $100,000 annually, and I don’t see kids happening without significant debt. So, despite having degrees and good full time jobs, it doesn’t seem like kids are a good idea for us financially. I don’t understand how that makes sense to anyone. By most accounts, nobody except the highest income earners, like $200k a year or more can truly “afford children.” No wonder the U.S. birth rate keeps dropping.

[@Raja1938]

And just don't have so many hurdles for abortion & family planning services in Arkansas

[@adamhorvat9515]

@@MsLoperK boohoo

[@MsLoperK]

@@adamhorvat9515 For sure, I get it. Who cares about anybody else’s situation; certainly not you. Keep it up, you’re doing great!

[@DemureDarlings]

UNIVERSAL CHILDCARE PLEASE🙌🏽

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@DemureDarlings]

@@jamesmayle3787 Thanks❤️

[@josephdale69]

I pay $300 a week. The day care can’t find any workers after they closed them all during covid. The teachers left and aren’t coming back. Most have closed. It’s the governments fault for forcing them to close.

[@ssjup81]

It was a public health issue. That’s the responsible thing to do. Close places until you figure out how to deal with the issue safely for everyone. It’s not our fault that the US doesn’t have good safety nets for situations like that unlike some other countries that had workers still being paid despite businesses being closed. That aside, this was an issue prior to COVID and has been for years. The COVID situation just exacerbated it. A lot of teachers in ECE want better pay and actual benefits as well as better work conditions.

[@josephdale69]

@@ssjup81 Well, if it takes two incomes for a family to survive in the US, we should treat daycare the same as elementary, middle and high school. Better paid teachers and guaranteed by the government. I disagree that closing daycares was the responsible thing to do. I am a front line worker and people would have literally died if I didn’t fly in my in laws to help watch the kids.

[@ssjup81]

@@josephdale69 It was still a public health issue. It did make sense to close things down to figure out what we were dealing with. Once there was a solution, temporary or otherwise, these places reopened. I was affected too as I work in ECE, but I have no children of my own and I did feel bad for those people and those who couldn’t work remotely. I commend those who had to continue working. You were also lucky that you had family who could help out.

[@josephdale69]

@@ssjup81 I agree with most of what you said. I think they rode it out for a little too long though.

[@ssjup81]

@@josephdale69 Now that I can agree with you on.

[@anydae]

That money vs jail time!!! 😳 I would spend the money because police would arrest you if you leave your child at home alone

[@Thedecider1984]

stop having kids if u can't afford them. please think before u have them.

[@dod2304]

It shouldn't cost half or more of your paycheck for childcare. We are the only "western" country that doesnt value childcare enough to subsidize it. It's ridiculous. We talk big about valuing our children and they are our future yada yada yada.. yeah right. Meanwhile , we don't care if they have decent care before or after school and our educational standards are also one of the worst in the world. It's appalling.

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

REALLY?! That's all you can come up with?! Sick of people always throwing out your statement without having walked the walk because working more than 1 job to support yourself & kids IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE with the wages that are being paid currently in most areas of this country. Been working since I was 14, supported myself and 2 kids by working 2-3 jobs at a time because of the cost of CHILD CARE. I ended up a single parent NOT BY CHOICE so put that in you holier then thou pipe and smoke it!!!!!!!!!

[@jayg5391]

@@kimberlyokeeffe5360 no thanks. I’ll wait until I have the financial means to have a child still. Thanks for the advice.

[@MsLoperK]

What do you think the number is that a person has to make in this country to properly “afford children”? These policies and attitudes are why young Americans in the middle income area (which now includes making $100k or more in some places) are not having children and the U.S. birth rate continues to plummet.

[@sasham1280]

@@MsLoperK good the world is way over populated

[@Speedyskull15]

Why is this a bad thing kids are being watched by grandparents and other relatives now where they’re statistically safer

[@juliannehannes11]

Your kids are your responsibility not your mother's not your sister's not your auntie's but soley yours for it was your choice to bring children into this world not theirs.

[@Speedyskull15]

@@juliannehannes11 ???

[@deniceloya9990]

@@juliannehannes11 I agree 100%

[@MsLoperK]

@@juliannehannes11 Amazingly, many relatives and close friends are happy to watch children and work out an arrangement with the parent for free or low cost care, because the other person also cares about that child. I know, shocking.

[@juliannehannes11]

@@MsLoperK But it should NEVER be an expectation and times have changed and inflation is high and many many many many many many many many many grandparents can't afford to retire and take care of their grandkids full time and it is in no way a viable solution for all not in this day in age, we need universal childcare and we need it now. You are so delusional and entitled if you think you having kids should be your relatives' responsibility and expect them to happily share responsibility and forgo their lives to serve you unpaid.

[@hannahscott6604]

If you only make 17.50 an hour why are you having kids?! There’s a reason I don’t have kids yet ! 😂

[@stacyjpoliticscommunityfai359]

The government needs to get these lazy bumbs on Social Security disability that have no real health issues and pump the additional funding supporting that program into daycare subsidies.

[@cross75man75]

Yes, it's always someone elses fault and not the fact that the government is failing to serve the people.

[@juliannehannes11]

Do you know how hard it is to get on disability? Are you for real? It takes years and years and piles of paperwork and out of pocket specialists and waiting in endless lines, so many lines, so much paperwork, it's endless. I was born deaf and have autism and posess the short term memory recall of an 80yr-old man, I was denied disability.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@soulsurvivor1979]

What does social security have to do with childcare I guess social security laid up and made babies too u sound stupid

[@ekop1778]

I DONT KNOW WHAT DAYCARE IS I WAS A CHILD THE 1970S MY NEIGHBORS DOWNTHE STREET TOOK CARE OF ME AND MY SISTER

[@up-uw4op]

thats what my grandma told me she did in the 70s. No one is willing to help out like that anymore. my neighbor know im an unemployed single parent due to no babysitter/daycare available

[@ekop1778]

@@up-uw4op OH MY GOD- IM 50 AND JUST BARELY MAKING IT IM NOT MARRIED BUT I CAN BARELY PAYBILLS

[@juliannehannes11]

@@up-uw4op because everyone is overworked and underpaid and we're in an inflation

[@adamhorvat9515]

I just watched Mary jump into a $60,000 dollar Jeep, give me a break, you better be driving old junk before you ask for daycare vouchers

[@dod2304]

How do you know a relative or something didn't give it to her? Or they found it for cheap and someone fixed it up for her? All kinds of possible scenarios. There would be a lot less conflict and anger in the world if people would stop making assumptions/jumping to conclusions.

[@ludovicoc7046]

I noticed that too. She couldn't get by with a 25K Corolla?

[@sidneyboo9704]

I noticed that too. She drives a way better car than I do and I don't go begging around for vouchers. Insurance and Registration is insane as well on that thing

[@nicolee2649]

@@sidneyboo9704 registration fees should be illegal it is just away to get more $ . Total cop out. It is not like an apartment where they have to do a background check.......not necessary 😒 registration fee? Give me a break and cry me a river!

[@stargazer5073]

All of the grandmothers/grandparents need to help out for FREE! I DO!!!!

[@dod2304]

You are a Hero! And so are some of my friends who are Grandmother's too. Unfortunately, I don't have any grandchildren yet. But, I do know many people who could never do childcare full time due to various health issues. You don't say how old you are...some people become grandparents in their 40's (or even earlier) I'm 65 and still waiting. I know they're coming...I don't know if I'll be able to care for them full time though. I would always say yes it was a temporary situation, and I wasn't working. A LOT of grandparents work to make ends meet! Social Security and Medicare/medicaid just arent enough any more. Grandparents aren't the simple and obvious solution we wish they were.

[@sidneyboo9704]

In the old days it was totally normal for relatives to watch after each others kids. Nowadays parents live far away or even other states making it not feasible.

[@up-uw4op]

none of my kids grandparents are willing to help. they know my situation too. they dont give af

[@juliannehannes11]

Not that many grandparents can afford to retire and my god you are so entitled.

[@sculder85]

Not everyone's grandparents are still alive..smdh

[@catspaw455]

" YES" AMERICA THE FREE.🙄😏🙁😒

[@genek6056]

Buy ZIM on Monday 25 April. SEMPER FI!

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@christinavelazquez8931]

I am sorry but you know what ! Please go tell Mr potato head Joe Biden to stop giving sweet change 🤑🤑💰 to the Ukraine and keep this money for us here at home where we need it! 💖😢 What a pity shame ! 😢😡

[@dod2304]

you really don't understand the situation and the repercussions of not supporting Ukraine.

[@cvmarquez1534]

Yes more free money for US, what a mindset.

[@christinavelazquez8931]

@@cvmarquez1534 where else should the $$$$$ money 💸 to corporate greed, government waste, foreign countries, who really got rich on the war in Afghanistan? I don't want to see an elderly disabled grandma in a wheelchair homeless on the street corner next to crackheads! Or make people on welfare work for it! 🤔

[@sidneyboo9704]

The infrastructure bill does include free preschool but republicans shot it down.

[@jamesmayle3787]

The Bible is truth. Please read at least three books, Genesis Mathew and one book you chose yourself. The key is in doing what Jesus Christ taught personally, forgiveness explicitly. To be forgiven we must forgive. Until you’ve dealt with your inner baggage and forgiven your parents specifically God stays at arm’s length. Seriously, there’s deep spiritual significance to that relationship. If there’s love in your heart you forgive. Parents are supposed to be easiest, they’ve loved you. Working though your inner issues and forgiving your parents as an adult shows something really important to God. It’s the mustard seed of faith he wants from us. Please, break down before Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness, and please, read those three books of the Bible in your lifetime. Please trust me. The Bible is truth. Jesus Christ is the way truth and life.

[@Thedecider1984]

unmask the kids

[@ln14517]

Thats a petty issue compared the others issues.

[@Thedecider1984]

@@ln14517 petty for you.

[@ga6589]

Some kids were masked in this piece, some were not. Are you suggesting parents not have the right to have their own children wear a mask?

[@christinab.2864]

Could the comment meant quit sheltering kids: what exactly happened to preschools; or baby sitters even family members?

[@ga6589]

@@christinab.2864 Preschools are feeling the effects of staff shortages and low pay, just like other childcare businesses. Babysitting doesn't pay enough in most cases to make it worth it, especially if you can find a better paying job somewhere else. Family members have to make ends meet, too, and are out working regular jobs.

[@lilianwoo2997]

My family believes I’m throwing my life away by getting an early education degree 😢