Should you let someone else look after your kids?

Question

So many people go back to work as soon as they can and someone else takes there children, children need there parents as much as possible i think and to miss huge chunks of there growing up seems disgusting to me, what do you think

Answer 1

Unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, it is definitely better to look after YOUR kids YOURSELF! Especially when they are in the tender growing-up stage.

Answer 2

Kids also need clothes, food and a roof over their heads. I understand where you are coming from, but for most working is not a choice it's a necessary to be able to take care of the kids. I think that people can find a happy medium and be good at both. They don't have to miss out on their kids growing up. For me it means that when I am home my full attention is on the kids and their needs. I find that people have a problem when moms have to work, but never complain about dads. It's a double standard that we need to get rid of, it takes two to make a home work and to raise a family. Let's stop making working mothers feel guilty for doing what is right for their families.

Answer 3

Leaving children in childcare whilst at work is not as bad as a lot of people seem to think.

My little girl is 3 years old, she goes to a fantastic nursery with lovely staff and she enjoys her time there extremely. She understands when its home time but also loves nursery time!

When parents of young children work 12 hour days and the children grow up with nannies or childminders it does make me wonder why they had kids in the first place but all people are different and they decide whats best for their children.

Answer 4

It's an individual choice. But I've been happy to make money out of ppl going back to work with young children. At the same time, there needs to be a balance, when your child calls your nanny mommy, and tells her that she's more like her mommy than her real one, or when your child starts wetting again after being dry, or any other 'danger' signs it's time to rethink the whole thing. But it can also be good for a child to be looked after by another person, and gives them a whole new set of social skills and opportunities esp if in a nursery.

Answer 5

Some people don't have the luxury to stay home with their kids. They must work in order to provide for the family and these days that means 2 adults working (if possible).

Sure there's pros/cons to every situation and I'm sure parents would love to have one person home with their child. It's 2006 and the World is different then the 50's - 60's.

Instead of being negative why don't you do something positive and be proactive in some way. We need longer maternity leave w/ pay, better childcare with longer hours, better schools, etc.

Answer 6

While they are of pre school age no i have looked after my 2 older ones until they have gone to school and have my 19 month old at home with me, I'm lucky my husband goes out to work. Here is an example why i think a parent should look after their child, my sister and i have children of the same age she went out to work and put her child in nursery and i looked after mine at home. My child could sit up walk say words and was more active then my sisters child, i think a child at nursery does not get the one on one attention a baby/toddler needs or deserves so if possible should have their parents full attention as long as possible.

Answer 7

I find your view somewhat myopic - stand back and see the big picture and you will see a lot more

I don't think it's disgusting, I think it's NOT a choice for many people.

They need to work for the money. Not everybody is lucky enough to have a partner who earns enough so that one of you can give up work entirely and be a child carer. That is the simple truth of it, for most it's economics.

For others it's a choice, they decide they wish to keep a certain lifestyle and want to work so they do not have to give it up, or indeed they just want to give their child more material things. They are entitled to that personal choice.

99.9 percent of people would rather spend time with their family than spend it at work, nobody ever lay on their death bed wishing they spent more time in an office.

food for thought

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Answer 8

My mum stayed at home and looked after us, until my youngest brother went to school. I was 10 then, and my sister was 12, so we had been used to her being around all the time, which is better, as you have a better relationship with your parents then. My dad always worked really late, and i never had a good relationship with him, especially now he and Mum are divorced, because he favours my 2 brothers above my sister and me. I think you should be there for your children for as long as possible. Ok, sometimes this isn't possible, but try!

Answer 9

Some of us need to work to pay the bills, that's why my children go to nursery. It's also the best place for them to learn to socialise, gain new skills and get ready for school. What else should we do with them? Give up work and turn them into mini consumers by dragging them round the Trafford Centre? Or plonk them down in front of Trisha all day?

You should learn not to judge people so easily my friend.

Answer 10

Well its a big debate really, if i had a the choice now i wouldn't have let anyone else except me or my mother near my kids, but sometimes you have no choice. just be really careful who you choose to look after your kids. use someone who reallyis genuine an dlikes children, sadly many young girls come fom abroad and as a first job will look after children, most of them have no experience and ar ejust after a first job and money, so basically you are only a bridge until they get something better. so be wise in your choice.

Answer 11

I've always had to work and I have four children. They all ooze confidence and are bright and intelligent. They have had the benefit of knowing that other adults love them almost as much as their parents.

The only thing I would change if I had my time over, would be to work full-time. It is me that has missed out on too much, not them.

Go for the best of both worlds - work part-time.