RATIONALE FOR TAKING CRECHE DAY CARE SERVICES BY WORKING PARENTS OF INDIA
FIRST LOOK AT THE EXAMPLE
Husband Salary-60000
Wife Salary- 0000( On maternity Leave)
Food Expenses- 12000
Car Expenses(Husband) 12000
Car Expenses(Wife) 3000
Full time maid- 6000
Other expenses- 12000
Net Savings- 15000
Husband Salary-60000
Wife Salary- 50000( resuming job)
Eatable- 12000
Car Expenses(Husband) 12000
Car Expenses(Wife) 9000
Full time maid- 0000
Creche charges- 10000
Other expenses- 12000
Net Savings- 55000
In the example I have tried to show that joining the work is a must must option for an educated mother after expiry of maternity leave.
However the above calculation of financial saving will not prove true when salary of mom is less than 15000.You may calculate yourself whether it would be worth money saving to resume the job and leave the Baby to Creche.
If net savings exceed even for 1000 rupees it is advisable that you should join office. The reason is working couples have babies which are better adjustable and successful in life.
Resources
....................................................................
WHAT IS WRONG WITH DAYCARE
Newly research suggests daycare might actually be detrimental for young babies. For this research paper purpose Daycare refers to any out-of-home care situation where children are cared for in large groups, by adults who are not family members or friends.
We're not referring to In home day care, Playcentre, coffee groups, being cared for by family, or attending play groups.
In June 2009, Dr Simon Rowley, an auckland Paediatrician and supporter of the Brainwave Trust (www.brainwave.org.nz) brought some powerful research findings. Dr Rowley advised parents to avoid putting their babies into daycare, and instead have one parent stay home with their children for at least two years. He advised that putting babies in daycare could permanently damage their brains.
Quoted in the Sunday Star Times, Dr Rowley said, "When people ask me, to be politically correct, I say: 'Well, if you choose your daycare well, that's good.' But if you have a choice, you should always go for staying home a bit longer."
But all parents do not have such a choice. Then what is alternate?
In New Zealand babies are breastfeeded and to do so for as long as possible. The rationale behind this is not simply nutrition - it's to foster the mutually beneficial bond between mother and child. A healthy bond promotes good emotional development, and more successful relationships later in life. So why do we turn a blind eye to the numbers of young babies enrolled in what can be very long hours of daycare? Surely it's worth exploring the potential effect of this in both the short- and long-term?
These days, a common attitude suggests early and prolonged childcare is not just okay, but should be encouraged. The results presented here challenge this attitude. While children's experiences at daycare centres vary hugely, we should be concerned about any very young child being in daycare for long periods of time.
Yes, there are lots of factors to consider. There is a complex interaction between a child's temperament, how long they are in daycare, the age at which they began childcare, the quality of the daycare, and the quality of the child's home life. In other words, not all babies who attend daycare will behave aggressively as preschoolers. However, let's not dismiss these results, but take them on board and consider all the childcare options available.
Alternatives to daycare for babies
As an alternative to a daycare centre, an increasingly popular option is that of in-home childcare. This option can, when well-managed, address some of the concerns aimed at large group childcare, for example:
* Lesser number of Babies This can contribute to lowering babies' stress levels.
* Babies having a significant relationship with only one, consistent, adult. baby identifying the Creche adult as motherly figure will have least stress.
* Having less noise in the environment.
* Having fewer children to interact with.
* Adhering to your child's individual sleep and feeding routines more easily than in a large group setting.
Many parents fear that in-home care is significantly more expensive than centre based care, but this is not necessarily the case. Most in-home care providers charge Rs. 50 to 60 per hour, depending on the agency, their level of experience, their location, and facilities.
In Delhi a typical conventional daily rate for group care is average 3000-6000 Rs. per month . When you look at the fine print, however, there are some interesting differences. For example, most day care centres charge a flat rate for the day, no matter what time you drop off and pick up. So, if you're working 9 Am to 3 PM, you pay the same as a child who is at the centre 7.30 AM to 6 PM. Of course if you work a very long day, this could work to your advantage. But if you choose a motherly caring In home day care facility you can get the pricing advantage for shorter duration of stay.
There are also some downsides of in-home care. If your carer is sick, and your agency doesn't have a "back-up" system, you may find yourself scrambling to find a caregiver at short notice. Perhaps one of the major concerns for many parents is the lack of accountability of the care-giver - there aren't usually any other adults around to keep an eye on your child's safety, as in a daycare centre. There's no easy answer to this, except to take time to meet a number of different carers, to meet each one several times, and to trust your intuition.
At the risk of being accused of standing on a soap-box, I am concerned at the increasingly common attitude that young babies need daycare. The idea that we, as parents, can't meet a baby's needs at home; that we're doing them a disservice by not sending them to daycare, at least part-time, to encourage their "social skills". Most of us think of ourselves as flawed individuals, and therefore flawed parents. However, let's not let ourselves fall into the trap of thinking others will better meet the needs of our babies. No matter what your perceived flaws, a professional carer can not offer your baby all they need. They miss the vital ingredient - love.
I understand that, for many parents, their return to work is out of necessity, not choice. Where we do have a choice, however, is the kind of care in which we place our children. In this article, I hope you've had a chance to explore some of the research into daycare for babies, and a taste of some of the other child-care options available, in order that you can make your own, informed, choices about where to place your child. My advice for parents who must return to work is simple and twofold:
1. If you can, have one parent stay home with baby for as long as possible. Don't let your mind, and some sectors of society, trick you into thinking that this is a poor choice. This is the optimal choice for your baby. If you can't stay home, consider making arrangements with a family member or friend.
2. If you must return to work, choose your daycare very carefully; research all the options; start slowly, and introduce your baby very slowly and carefully to their new carers. Opt for the best-quality care you can afford, for the fewest hours per day, and aim for consistent, caring caregivers. Fewer caregivers, and fewer children, is generally better.
(Source)
Some people say that in-home care is best for babies, and child care centres are best for toddlers other people say that family day care is the ideal compromise between home based care and centres and is suitable for children of all ages. Like all the decisions you make about child care your decision concerning timing should depend on your unique circumstances and the needs of your child.
To help you make the right decision concerning the timing of child care for your family keep the following points in mind:
Babies - 0 to 18 months
Babies thrive in situations where they have a lot of one-on-one attention from a single caregiver and home-based care is great at this stage. However, child care centres can work well if there are a small number of babies per carer allowing the carer to respond quickly to the babies needs.
Continuity of care is the most important aspect at this stage. Babies need time to develop an attachment to and trust in their carer. Babies also need a clean and safe environment as they start to explore the world around them.
Toddler - 18 months to 3 years
Babies and young toddlers have similar needs when it comes to child care. Toddlers respond well to low carer to child ratios and require carers with lots of patience and energy. This is when children begin to test their limits and they need carers who can help them understand the parameters of the world they live in.
Toddlers are extremely active and need a safe environment that allows them to explore, while limiting the potential for bumps and bruises. Home based care, such as nannies and au pairs are excellent for children at this age. Child care centres and family day care with low carer to child ratios and good staff retention can work well too.
Another benefit of centre and family day care for children at this age is that they offer toddlers a chance to socialise with other youngsters and offer them the opportunity to participate in activities they might not be able to do at home.
Preschoolers - 3 to 5 years
The advantage of putting preschoolers in centre based care is that it gives them an opportunity to practice their language and learn social skills. Three to five year old children are keen to build peer relationships and play with their friends. A quality child care centre can be very beneficial in helping children at this age learn many early skills and provide children with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities they might not be able to do at home.
Home based care is also great for preschoolers, provided they have access to age-appropriate resources and games, and have frequent contact with other children their age. An in-home carer can supplement care with community activities at a local library or park, play groups, or other group activities like swimming lessons.
When is best?
Choosing the best time to participate in group activities or put your child in care will depend on their personality as well as your family's work schedule. There is no perfect age and each child will adjust to the care environment in a different way.
You know your child's personality better than anyone else – consider the following questions as you go about choosing when to put your child in care:
Is your child confident with new people and quick to make new friends?
Does he or she adjust well to new and/or unfamiliar environments?
Is your child easily overwhelmed by noise and activity?
Is your child a physically active little person who wants to take part in everything or more of an observer?
When thinking about care for children under five think about group size and the level of stimulation. Ideally, the younger the child the smaller the group should be, so that noise and activity levels can be moderated.
Think about the consistency of the group – if your child's care environment is comprised of carers and children who are the same week after week it will enable your child to develop lasting friendships and relationships and a comfortable foundation for personal development. Children in less stable care environments spend more time meeting new people than they do building lasting relationships.
Even if you are a full time stay at home parent, it can be helpful for children to gain experience in a group care environment before they start school so they are comfortable being looked after by adults other than their parents.
Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect age to put your child in care as it varies for everyone.
Try and relax in to your decision and your positive approach will have a great effect on your child.
Diary of working mom:
....Creche babies are sociable and outgoing and they generally have lovely manners. They learn how to share and how to clean up after themselves. They eat what they are given. They learn from the older babies.... Read complete article
Many moms keep on thinking whether to join the office when there baby is just born and the maternity leave are expiring. After expiry of maternity leave mom have to remain without pay with no income contribution to family; although mom is able to devote full time towards baby.
Emotionally we can not compare a situation of care of baby by own mother than by anybody else. However in this write up we will like to examine whether joining office will be beneficial financially or not ?
FIRST LOOK AT THE EXAMPLE
SITUATION-I : MOM at home
( All calculation in Rs. per month of a city like Noida or Gurgaon)
Husband Salary-60000
Wife Salary- 0000( On maternity Leave)
Food Expenses- 12000
Car Expenses(Husband) 12000
Car Expenses(Wife) 3000
Full time maid- 6000
Other expenses- 12000
Net Savings- 15000
SITUATION-II Mom at work
( All calculation in Rs. per month of a city like Noida or Gurgaon)Husband Salary-60000
Wife Salary- 50000( resuming job)
Eatable- 12000
Car Expenses(Husband) 12000
Car Expenses(Wife) 9000
Full time maid- 0000
Creche charges- 10000
Other expenses- 12000
Net Savings- 55000
In the example I have tried to show that joining the work is a must must option for an educated mother after expiry of maternity leave.
However the above calculation of financial saving will not prove true when salary of mom is less than 15000.You may calculate yourself whether it would be worth money saving to resume the job and leave the Baby to Creche.
If net savings exceed even for 1000 rupees it is advisable that you should join office. The reason is working couples have babies which are better adjustable and successful in life.
Resources
....................................................................
WHAT IS WRONG WITH DAYCARE
Newly research suggests daycare might actually be detrimental for young babies. For this research paper purpose Daycare refers to any out-of-home care situation where children are cared for in large groups, by adults who are not family members or friends.
We're not referring to In home day care, Playcentre, coffee groups, being cared for by family, or attending play groups.
In June 2009, Dr Simon Rowley, an auckland Paediatrician and supporter of the Brainwave Trust (www.brainwave.org.nz) brought some powerful research findings. Dr Rowley advised parents to avoid putting their babies into daycare, and instead have one parent stay home with their children for at least two years. He advised that putting babies in daycare could permanently damage their brains.
Quoted in the Sunday Star Times, Dr Rowley said, "When people ask me, to be politically correct, I say: 'Well, if you choose your daycare well, that's good.' But if you have a choice, you should always go for staying home a bit longer."
But all parents do not have such a choice. Then what is alternate?
In New Zealand babies are breastfeeded and to do so for as long as possible. The rationale behind this is not simply nutrition - it's to foster the mutually beneficial bond between mother and child. A healthy bond promotes good emotional development, and more successful relationships later in life. So why do we turn a blind eye to the numbers of young babies enrolled in what can be very long hours of daycare? Surely it's worth exploring the potential effect of this in both the short- and long-term?
These days, a common attitude suggests early and prolonged childcare is not just okay, but should be encouraged. The results presented here challenge this attitude. While children's experiences at daycare centres vary hugely, we should be concerned about any very young child being in daycare for long periods of time.
Yes, there are lots of factors to consider. There is a complex interaction between a child's temperament, how long they are in daycare, the age at which they began childcare, the quality of the daycare, and the quality of the child's home life. In other words, not all babies who attend daycare will behave aggressively as preschoolers. However, let's not dismiss these results, but take them on board and consider all the childcare options available.
Alternatives to daycare for babies
As an alternative to a daycare centre, an increasingly popular option is that of in-home childcare. This option can, when well-managed, address some of the concerns aimed at large group childcare, for example:
* Lesser number of Babies This can contribute to lowering babies' stress levels.
* Babies having a significant relationship with only one, consistent, adult. baby identifying the Creche adult as motherly figure will have least stress.
* Having less noise in the environment.
* Having fewer children to interact with.
* Adhering to your child's individual sleep and feeding routines more easily than in a large group setting.
Many parents fear that in-home care is significantly more expensive than centre based care, but this is not necessarily the case. Most in-home care providers charge Rs. 50 to 60 per hour, depending on the agency, their level of experience, their location, and facilities.
In Delhi a typical conventional daily rate for group care is average 3000-6000 Rs. per month . When you look at the fine print, however, there are some interesting differences. For example, most day care centres charge a flat rate for the day, no matter what time you drop off and pick up. So, if you're working 9 Am to 3 PM, you pay the same as a child who is at the centre 7.30 AM to 6 PM. Of course if you work a very long day, this could work to your advantage. But if you choose a motherly caring In home day care facility you can get the pricing advantage for shorter duration of stay.
There are also some downsides of in-home care. If your carer is sick, and your agency doesn't have a "back-up" system, you may find yourself scrambling to find a caregiver at short notice. Perhaps one of the major concerns for many parents is the lack of accountability of the care-giver - there aren't usually any other adults around to keep an eye on your child's safety, as in a daycare centre. There's no easy answer to this, except to take time to meet a number of different carers, to meet each one several times, and to trust your intuition.
At the risk of being accused of standing on a soap-box, I am concerned at the increasingly common attitude that young babies need daycare. The idea that we, as parents, can't meet a baby's needs at home; that we're doing them a disservice by not sending them to daycare, at least part-time, to encourage their "social skills". Most of us think of ourselves as flawed individuals, and therefore flawed parents. However, let's not let ourselves fall into the trap of thinking others will better meet the needs of our babies. No matter what your perceived flaws, a professional carer can not offer your baby all they need. They miss the vital ingredient - love.
I understand that, for many parents, their return to work is out of necessity, not choice. Where we do have a choice, however, is the kind of care in which we place our children. In this article, I hope you've had a chance to explore some of the research into daycare for babies, and a taste of some of the other child-care options available, in order that you can make your own, informed, choices about where to place your child. My advice for parents who must return to work is simple and twofold:
1. If you can, have one parent stay home with baby for as long as possible. Don't let your mind, and some sectors of society, trick you into thinking that this is a poor choice. This is the optimal choice for your baby. If you can't stay home, consider making arrangements with a family member or friend.
2. If you must return to work, choose your daycare very carefully; research all the options; start slowly, and introduce your baby very slowly and carefully to their new carers. Opt for the best-quality care you can afford, for the fewest hours per day, and aim for consistent, caring caregivers. Fewer caregivers, and fewer children, is generally better.
(Source)
Choosing a Day care
Parents thinking about child care will be well aware of all the decisions that need to be made along the way. This website provides information on all the care options available and the pros and cons of each type of care, it can even help you source a child care provider, however, you will also need to think about the best time to place your child in care and what sort of care will best suit your child as she or he grows older.
Some people say that in-home care is best for babies, and child care centres are best for toddlers other people say that family day care is the ideal compromise between home based care and centres and is suitable for children of all ages. Like all the decisions you make about child care your decision concerning timing should depend on your unique circumstances and the needs of your child.
To help you make the right decision concerning the timing of child care for your family keep the following points in mind:
Babies - 0 to 18 months
Babies thrive in situations where they have a lot of one-on-one attention from a single caregiver and home-based care is great at this stage. However, child care centres can work well if there are a small number of babies per carer allowing the carer to respond quickly to the babies needs.
Continuity of care is the most important aspect at this stage. Babies need time to develop an attachment to and trust in their carer. Babies also need a clean and safe environment as they start to explore the world around them.
Toddler - 18 months to 3 years
Babies and young toddlers have similar needs when it comes to child care. Toddlers respond well to low carer to child ratios and require carers with lots of patience and energy. This is when children begin to test their limits and they need carers who can help them understand the parameters of the world they live in.
Toddlers are extremely active and need a safe environment that allows them to explore, while limiting the potential for bumps and bruises. Home based care, such as nannies and au pairs are excellent for children at this age. Child care centres and family day care with low carer to child ratios and good staff retention can work well too.
Another benefit of centre and family day care for children at this age is that they offer toddlers a chance to socialise with other youngsters and offer them the opportunity to participate in activities they might not be able to do at home.
Preschoolers - 3 to 5 years
The advantage of putting preschoolers in centre based care is that it gives them an opportunity to practice their language and learn social skills. Three to five year old children are keen to build peer relationships and play with their friends. A quality child care centre can be very beneficial in helping children at this age learn many early skills and provide children with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities they might not be able to do at home.
Home based care is also great for preschoolers, provided they have access to age-appropriate resources and games, and have frequent contact with other children their age. An in-home carer can supplement care with community activities at a local library or park, play groups, or other group activities like swimming lessons.
When is best?
Choosing the best time to participate in group activities or put your child in care will depend on their personality as well as your family's work schedule. There is no perfect age and each child will adjust to the care environment in a different way.
You know your child's personality better than anyone else – consider the following questions as you go about choosing when to put your child in care:
Is your child confident with new people and quick to make new friends?
Does he or she adjust well to new and/or unfamiliar environments?
Is your child easily overwhelmed by noise and activity?
Is your child a physically active little person who wants to take part in everything or more of an observer?
When thinking about care for children under five think about group size and the level of stimulation. Ideally, the younger the child the smaller the group should be, so that noise and activity levels can be moderated.
Think about the consistency of the group – if your child's care environment is comprised of carers and children who are the same week after week it will enable your child to develop lasting friendships and relationships and a comfortable foundation for personal development. Children in less stable care environments spend more time meeting new people than they do building lasting relationships.
Even if you are a full time stay at home parent, it can be helpful for children to gain experience in a group care environment before they start school so they are comfortable being looked after by adults other than their parents.
Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect age to put your child in care as it varies for everyone.
Try and relax in to your decision and your positive approach will have a great effect on your child.
Diary of working mom:
....Creche babies are sociable and outgoing and they generally have lovely manners. They learn how to share and how to clean up after themselves. They eat what they are given. They learn from the older babies.... Read complete article