Why do people complain about childcare costs?

[Teawithsugar40]

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?

@Oblomov22

I don't get it either. Everybody knows what the costs are, or should, so plan before you have kids. I only ever paid minimal childcare. I had a job for 3 days, so only had to pay minimal on top of the free hours.

Unrealistic when you end up needing fertility treatment and spend ££ on it. In an ideal world, the 10k or so I spent on IVF could have and would have gone on childcare costs but instead have now needed to get a loan out (single parent by choice) to fund the upcoming nursery costs (and I earn above average).

@Pugroll

Plus what about women who want to care for their own children, are SAHM just to be thrown on the scrap heap as they didn’t tow the ideology that mother mustn’t miss a beat

Well they stay at home . It seems an odd way round that rather than being for having access to affordable childcare so women can make choices that aren't based solely on financial situation, being against women having that freedom in case those who chose to stay at home get 'left behind' because of an expectation that already exists. Realistically whatever the reason anyone who takes a break from the workplace however noble the cause will face challenges of sorts when returning, but it depends on the sector, the experience that person has, and whether they have kept up any actual transferable skills eg running a baby group, school governor etc.

@Pugroll

Most people have 'jobs' rather than careers I'd say...jobs that don't actually require any skills/training/qualifications...

@JellyOnAPlatewithicecream

Lots of people also don't seem to think of childminders as an option and think they have to pay £70/80 a day at a nursery, my childminder is amazing and is around £40 per day once you take into account the 20% for government and unpaid holidays!

Most childminders I've seen charge the same as nursery. We are in London. I choose nursery because I can be sure sickness and holidays will be covered. Plus there's oversight from other employers