To think we should be protesting

[Jessieabs]

For affordable childcare.

Why are we letting the government get away with the absolute joke that is childcare in the U.K.

Over 2k per month to send 2 kids to nursery seems like madness! There should absolutely be reform to this crazy state that we’re in. Surely a huge majority of the voting population have children/have grandchildren or plan to have children, but this issue is rarely talked about at election time!

@forinborin

Of course not. But pointing out that we will have our pensions and care paid by today's children is irrelevant. It's not done as a favour - as you say it is normal. I was answering a question of "what we are getting back". It is a social contract that is quite ancient, and I'd say quite well balanced too, with very tangible benefits to both sides.

But parents get that too. It's the way society works. Please don't expect the childfree to be grateful that the next generation is going to do the same as they have had to do.

Why don't the government do a tax option, everyone pays the standard but can opt to pay higher and choose a number of different benefits eg. You can opt for 40% if not required and select your benefits at the beginning of the tax year if needed such as childcare or increase your state pension. Wouldn't make them any money but would boost the economy and take the pressure off some households

What do childfree people get that parents don't? That was my (slightly tongue in cheek) point

I’m appalled by some of these comments. Completely agree that more needs to be done in terms of affordable childcare.
Children should not be a privilege for the well off simply because childcare costs are ridiculous.
I found the following article very interesting in terms of how investing in childcare is a good long term economic strategy.

amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/mar/02/mothers-are-livid-weve-had-enough-the-pregnant-women-being-forced-out-of-the-workplace

Why not go one step further then and just have one child as childcare is so expensive? Where does it end? Other countries manage it.

Thank god I had mine close together since chemotherapy left me infertile. I would have be far more angry if I’d have delayed it due to childcare costs and then not have had my second son.

Can’t believe everyone is so accepting of ridiculous childcare costs that they delay children for it. Rather than question if maybe something could be done about it, you know like other countries have managed....

and did you campaign on this before you had children?

Yes please take all my money to subsidise your lifestyle choi e of having children, as though the government doesn't absolutely nothing for you...oh wait they do help you out.

Here I am a single children's person ...I get fuck all help from the government no tax breaks for us but by all means tske all my.money to pay for you!

Quite frankly I'm so sick of it! I'm not willing to support paying more for other peoples choices!

So dfod, you coukd of had one child, isn't that enough but no you decided to have another knowing how much it would cost and now your crying cos its too expensive. Noone forced you!

Childcare is a feminist issue and a human rights issue but of course this thread has attracted all the non-parents on the parenting site chiming in about how hard done by they are (and I speak as someone who isn’t yet a parent). Better childcare provision would help with safeguarding and bridging the gap in educational attainment for those from impoverished backgrounds. It may well be like funding addiction treatment in that for every pound invested we save money in other areas.
It would stop the brain drain from the disproportionate amount of women being forced into giving up or limiting their careers (as often they are the lower earner or are sole parent).

@Kljnmw3459

It's a shame that so many don't see the value of providing affordable childcare and how beneficial it can be to society as a whole.

I don’t see that sticking very young children in childcare from 7am- 7pm is beneficial to society at all! Research has shown that young children so best with an attentive caregiver who loves them. Maybe we should be protesting about the expectations that women should go back to full time work after 9 months and make part time for both parents more the norm so that they can juggle childcare between them and extended family if they’re lucky.

I recon you would all vote to sterilise the poor if you could

Exactly. Only the rich can have children. Jesus how depressing is this thread.

Single childless*

The responses on this thread seem absolutely batshit to me op. I’m currently childless but I agree costs are ridiculous! If you are a 40% taxpayer I bet you pay a lot more tax than the majority of the self righteous people on this thread telling you not to have kids if you can’t afford them and are likely eligible for a lot less support back.

@SmallWaistFatFace

I recon you would all vote to sterilise the poor if you could

Don't be stupid, nobody is saying that.

As mentioned above, those on benefits do get more help (as they should do). But if you are paying 40% tax you are hardly poor

@MrsSkylerWhite

Jessieabs

Sorry, hang on a minute to everyone who is saying ‘why should I pay for your choices’. You don’t, I pay for my choices by paying 40% income tax“”

Your contributions won’t cover the costs of all of the public services you use during your lifetime or that of your children until they are 18, though.
People without children pay taxes too.

Yes.

I'm sick to death of all these protesters; blocking the roads, making it difficult for others to get about their business.

To quote The Wild One:
"What are you rebelling against?"
" Whadda you got?"

so what would this 'protest' lookalike op?

Nice to see all the hysteria coming out

a few banners and a walk to Downing street? roadblocks?

Perhaps the Government should ensure that every couple with fertility issues gets funded for IVF treatment, so everyone has the chance to have the OP’s dilemma...

chaining yourself to your nursery gat?

Follow pregnant and screwed on Instagram or where ever you can! They are fighting this very battle

I don’t agree with protecting over this nonsense but I’d love the protest to be a few hundred toddlers dumped on Boris and Carrie’s doorstep for them to entertain for the day

I would protest but can't afford the childcare to attend