Affordable Child Care: A Must – Not a Luxury

Thank you to Family Friendly Wisconsin for sponsoring this post. All ideas and opinions are mine.

The more the merrier in the Karls family. Nick and I have always dreamt of having a large family. We love the big noise, the big chaos and most importantly the big love. 

Honestly, we weren’t always sure we’d have a big family. When we first got married, we were both teachers with a masters degree and I had just started earning my advanced learners teaching certificate. We both really enjoyed our careers. Before we knew it, by our first anniversary, we had a beautiful baby boy, what a blessing.

Entering the parenting stage of life, we learned quickly about all of the expenses that come along with having children. The biggest two, diapers and childcare.

As my maternity leave came to an end, I was having some anxiety at sending Boston to daycare. Luckily, we had found an amazing in-home daycare. I soon realized, leaving him in an environment that felt like family was more than a blessing.

After working and sending Boston to daycare for 6 months, I decided to cut back on my schedule and work part-time. I wanted to be able to spend more quality time with him, but still keep my career. The best of both worlds. Shortly after making that decision, I found out I was pregnant with Elliana. Nick and I had to do some major soul searching and number crunching to see how we were going to afford two kids in daycare. We quickly discovered that my income would go entirely to daycare costs. We had a tough choice ahead of us. I needed to decide if I wanted to keep up with my career or stay home with my kids. Financially, it was a wash.

Knowing that we planned to have more children, I decided to stay home. Although it is a blessing to be able to be home with them, it was a very tough decision for me. I had a fabulous career. I have a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education, taught for 10 years, during that time earned a master degree in education and had just completed my teaching advanced learners certificate. Needless to say, I am a very highly qualified teacher. But the fast pace life working and parenting along with the financial burdens of child care were more than I was able to handle. So staying home was the best option. Honestly, with our fourth child on the way, I don’t know how we would survive any other way.

I do miss my job. I loved teaching and plan to go back someday. But for now, I count my blessings and enjoy each day teaching and learning at home with my own children.

Reflecting on my experience, I think about how many other Wisconsin families are experiencing similar situations. Choosing between working and trying to find some sort of affordable child care or putting a career on hold to stay home with children is a huge decision which affects not only each family unit, but also is pulling highly qualified Wisconsin employees out of the workforce. In doing so, Wisconsin is losing a great deal of highly skilled, hardworking, employees. The lack of abundant licensed affordable child care may present a devalued feeling amongst hard-working Wisconsinites who have to make the choice between career and high quality child care.

According the the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, “ Lack of available and affordable high-quality child care is the second biggest workforce development challenge Wisconsin faces.” “Today, 54% of Wisconsin’s population lives within a child care desert – meaning there are no licensed providers or less than one provider opening for every three children.”

I know we aren’t the only family who has struggled or is struggling with how to balance family and work. Especially in these times when COVID- 19 is requiring so many families to work, parent, teach and care for their families all at the same time. It’s nearly impossible. It may sound cliche, but it truly takes a village. It is ever so important to have affordable quality child care available to help parents navigate these hard times. There shouldn’t have to be a choice between appropriate child care and an income. Parents should be able to make an income and also be able to afford high quality child care without having to rely merely on family or informal child care services. Family Friendly Wisconsin is here to help. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about child care reform in Wisconsin. 

“It’s time for Wisconsin to support hardworking families by providing affordable, quality child care options for everyone.” ~ Family Friendly Wisconsin 

XOXO ~ Tessa 💜💚💜💚 

Mrs. Snuggles and Snacks