Nannies or nurseries: which to pick?
Date: 17/03/2011 / Category: School holidays and working parents
With mums increasingly under pressure to go back to work sooner after the birth of their little one, childcare decisions are having to be made earlier in a child's life. From nannies to nurseries and childminders to au pairs, there are now so many options for the working mum that it can be difficult to know what to go for.
Parenting website Mumsnet emphasised the importance of mums choosing the right form of childcare that is going to work best for that family. "Let's face it, if you can't look after your child during the day, you want to make sure they have the next best thing," points out the site.
Childminders are a popular option for families in need of flexible childcare that will fit around their working hours, says the author. Leaving a child in a home setting can also feel better for mum than dropping them at a nursery. They usually provide an interactive and social experience for the child, as other children are likely to be around, and they will get taken to various play groups or other outings.
Nannies are a great option if families can afford them. Although it may be less sociable than taking kids to a childminder, they will be getting one-to-one care and mum can get to know the person who is looking after their child during the day, the article points out. In addition, the child is also cared for in their own home, which will lend some mums peace of mind.
Au pairs are for older children and should not be asked to care for a child under the age of three, warns Netmums. However, if mum is looking for someone to help around the house a bit, au pairs are a great way to go, and as they tend to live in, the childcare is there when and where it is required.
Parents should not be too quick to dismiss day nurseries, continues the site. They give kids a range of activities important for development and provide a social environment for them to thrive in. It is important, however, that mums trust their gut instinct on which nursery is right for them and appears warm and friendly, clean, confident and well managed.
When families are spending time together this spring, they could enjoy activities such as nature walks and building a garden together, experts at familiesonline.co.uk recommended, as these bonding activities will educate kids on the changing of the seasons in a fun way.
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