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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Why do people complain about childcare costs?

453 replies

Teawithsugar40 · 08/01/2022 12:49

I’m a working mother and 65% (was previously near 100%) of my salary goes on childcare, we get by but holidays etc are out of the question. We’re not rich and have small children, it’s just how it is. I don’t resent what we pay and feel quite lucky that we’re a few hundred better off than if I was doing the equally important job of caring for my children full time.
Maybe because when I had my first child there was absolutely no childcare help and scant provision but I really don’t understand so many people these days complaining about childcare costs, especially when it still leaves them better off working? Totally understand single parents needing help and thankfully they have had generous help for years but why are couples who are definitely not on the breadline complaining? Did they seriously think they could have children without making any sacrifices and why do they expect people often worse off them themselves to pay for maintaining their previous lifestyle?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
HattieMid2 · 08/01/2022 12:54
Biscuit
BeardyButton · 08/01/2022 12:53

I totally agree. I was only saying something similar to one of my children recently. She was complaining about having to go up chimneys to sweep. I was telling her how she should be happy to have any job at all, even if it just pays for a half loaf of stale bread. I mean it is just right and proper that our landlord insists we pay 110 percent of our incomes on rent. He has an estate to fund and everything.

teaandchocolate1 · 08/01/2022 12:52

I think because in some parts of the country it is just sooo expensive.

We pay ca 565 pounds to our childminder each month.

They get about 706 pounds, but we get 20 percent discount from the government.

It is for a full time place and I'm happy with what we pay.