Working mums- does all your income go on childcare?

moneymakestheworldgoround

Sorry if I missed the post about this, but the government pay 75% of childcare costs. My childminder is £4 an hour, but I dont pay that. I pay £1 per hour.

Not sure if it is means tested, or just part of getting parents back into work.

I hated the idea of using a childminder, but I have to admit they get great interaction with the other kids, the childminder buys all the latest DVDS so I dont feel guilty that they havent seen the latest £17 DVD which I cant afford to buy, the childminder takes them to the beach, walking, to the forest etc.. They have a trampoline, bouncy castle, every garden toy imaginable, a DS and a Wii which I cant afford for my kids but they love playing on them, dressing up clothes, they make cakes, do colouring, go to MacDonalds....

This means the kids have all lots of luxury time with the childminder and I dont feel bad when I can only afford to build a tent in the front room, or do leaf rubbing etc...

The childminder is a lifeline for me.

I also like the fact that at school they are in the minority having a working parent and that makes them proud !

MrsE_2

mrsbez wrote: »

I see this has sparked quite a debate. To answer MrsE, as i see it, i may be wrong, when you have children and your family income is less than £52K you are entitled to receive about £500 per year as a tax credit. It varies with how many children you have and your income, but i would say the majority of 'average' working families would be entitled to at least the £500. You are right, maybe i should stated the 'average' family rather than every family.

I think there is differing views on full time childcare, my niece has been in full time childcare since she was 8 months and seems to be doing fine. But i couldn't do this myself, a couple of mornings per week is about all i can manage and only managed this with my daughter when she was 3.

Lots of households with two working parents will have more than 52k joint income.
So lots of people in the UK won't get tax credits.

mrsbez_2

Ok, so maybe not 'every' family gets tax credits but most would. the tax credit system itself states that 9 out of 10 families with children would be entitled to some tax credits. For example a family with 4 children with an income of £62k a year paying for childcare would still be entitled to some tax credits.

Scotsbob - yes going out to work and earning £100 per month more is better than being supported by the state. When you have no kids and are able to work, then there is no question about the fact you should go out to work. In this situation, i am going to leave my children in the 'capable' hands of someone else whilst i earn myself an extra £25 per week??

I believe tax credits do help with 75% of childcare costs but it depends on your earnings and how many children you have. I have two children and am counting for childcare during the school holidays.

chinatown_2

scottishf wrote: »

I'm probably going to get slated for this, but I could never understand why people have kids if they pap them off into childcare full time to go out and work.

Its intersting that these type of parents (and Im sure we all know some!) are the ones who make damn sure they palm the kids off every friday teatime without fail to sleep at the grandparents whilst they have a night out, and dont pick the kids up til tea time the next day. They also feel so hard done by if they have to actually 'shock horror' have a night in and spend proper family time with the kids of a weekend! Some people should live life a bit and have a career first. Others fit life around the family.
Sorry, bit off topic lol.

dizzybuff

Ahhhhhhhh this is the second time I have typed this

Okay I work my son goes to a childminder which costs me 560 a month , with no help from ctc as we both earn too much ( we still struggle)

I choose to work because circumstances need. I love the adult conversation and I am in the know that my childminder is developing my boys social skills and academic skills in a way I would not have been able to . Going part time is not an option as I am unsure what benefits I would get and wether i would ever get my ft hours back .

I love picking my boy up at the end oif the day . He may be tired but he is always happy.

If you are working , ask about salary sacrifice ( Childcare vouchers ) These are taken out of ur salery pre tax and paid to the childcare provider directly . If you want to work with kids what about fostering

http://www.fostering.org.uk/information/default.html

My cousin does it , all you need is an extra room and time for the child, you help ensure a child who would not be in a family situation have one , and be able to get the love and care they need , its not easy but u get paid. It is a buisness be warned but there are many rewards. You can also register for emergancy or restbite care.

All in all the well being of my son is the only thing in the world that matters to me .. I would die for him , thats why I also mystery shop for a bot more money . I go to university so in the longer run of things I can provide better for my son and pay more debts off...

I choose to work , and envy those that dont and can stay at home with their bairn ... but thats just me