Child Care - Any clues?!

thriftlady_2

You may well find that it is cheaper for one of you to give up work. Sounds mad, but with all the associated work costs- clothing, travel and child care, sometimes the second income is just not worth while. A stay-at-home parent has the opportunity to make savings on the household budget (cooking from scratch, shopping around etc) that someone at work all day may not have the time or energy to do.

I was a teacher when we had our first child. We both assumed we wouldn't be able to manage on one income, but 13 years later I'm still at home;) Of course it isn't for everyone, but worth considering.

Sharra

I would just reiterate that you will never be able to 'afford' a baby, but your priorities change and somehow things work out. If its what you both want, then go for it. When you're old and grey, not having had x y and z material things won't matter, not having kids will.

onlyroz

You'll probably save money by going out less often - it's more difficult to have an active social life with a baby, so you'll probably be having takeaways rather than meals in restaurants, and cinema trips will become a thing of the past.

Biggest expenditure for us was having to upgrade the car, because our little Corsa just wasn't big enough for us + baby + buggy + luggage. All the rest doesn't have to cost the earth, if you're careful about what you buy.

Savvy_Sue

Whatever you do, keep your OH away from the websites and newspaper articles which tell you how much it costs to have a baby and bring up a child. They're usually based on buying the best, brand new. No MSE does that ... :money:

MobileAddict

Hi there!

Thanks so much people, this is all really helpful but I have 1 question, and I'm sorry if this is a bit silly!

But...

What are 'Child care vouchers'?! I have tried to look around the internet but it doesn't seem easy to find out about benefits that are on offer. Therefore, it makes me wonder, how do people know?!?!?!?!

Thanks so much... I will keep doing my homework! Now this is a true MSE!!!

hahahaa!! :rotfl:

Zoe x x

purplepatch

My childminder starting from September will be £4 per hour.

I don't get wtc either as apparently we are deemed to earn too much, ha, I think not!! once mortgage and living expenses are gone, there is nothing left, hence my going back to work.

Both DH and I will be eligible to get childcare vouchers from our employers. It's a salary sacrifice scheme whereby you can exchange salary before tax for vouchers that most nurseries and childminders will take. The max you can take each month is £243 and you can save a fair whack on your tax bill.

There is more info here in the family and health section, including the tax savings. They are certainly worth doing.

Also, speaking from experience, there is never likely to be a good time to start a family. But it is true, you cut your cloth accordingly and you do manage - priorities change once those kids come along.

sooz

You normally pay more for a child under 2, as the ratios for younger children to carers, are greater.

I was paying £65 per day for a nursery for an under 2. It dropped to £45 per day over 2. It's now about £8 per day more than when he went there :eek:

Now for no2 I pay £5 per hour for a childminder

MobileAddict

Can I be really frank....???

What are the main differences with childminders and nurseries? I have heard some negative reports about childminders but in fact, with no substance! For example, "oh, I would never send my child to a childminder. It would have to be a nursery. They are so much better"

But why?!?!?!?!?!!?

Sorry, I'm thinking this through very thoroughly!!!!

x x x

purplepatch

MobileAddict wrote: »

Can I be really frank....???

What are the main differences with childminders and nurseries? I have heard some negative reports about childminders but in fact, with no substance! For example, "oh, I would never send my child to a childminder. It would have to be a nursery. They are so much better"

But why?!?!?!?!?!!?

Sorry, I'm thinking this through very thoroughly!!!!

x x x

I used to think that myself until I saw the difference in cost for my own situation. My thought process behind it was worrying that the childminder might not be all that they seemed behind closed doors away from the parents and that in a nursery, there would be several people looking after the children so less chance of anything like that. Also from the point of view of your childminder being ill, you won't get let down by a nursery.

With childminders I think the key thing is to find someone who comes recommended, speak to their references etc. I don't have my former worries about the woman I've found. She is the friend of a friend and everyone you ask about her says that she is brilliant. Plus my DD will be one of only 3 part time kids for her to look after, so I guess she will get more attention than she would have in a nursery. Also, the childminders in my area work as an alliance and cover one another when ill.

sooz

Mostly snobbery.

I loved the nursery, but infact my son would be looked after by one of 10 different staff members. It was lovely, but pricey. Some of the cheaper ones I looked at both OH and I decided we wouldn't even send out cat there :eek:

However, it was open 50 weeks per year, & you didn't have to worry about the one carer being ill..there was always someone else available. But the ratios, particularly over 2 years old are high. Lots of children, in a room with one carer. There was a lot of biting (we came home with a lot of pink injury slips), & illnesses spread like wildfire, as did nits.

With a childminder, if she's ill, you have to take time off. When she's on holiday, so are you.

My childminder is an angel, used to be a nanny, & now has children of her own. Her house is so much fun, & she meets up with other childminders & they all have a fantastic time.

When both DS's go there, I only pay for 1 1/2 - buy one get one half price!