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"Working in and among the service industry, I see daily examples of how lack of childcare affects employees' livelihoods. When schools are closed for weather or holidays, employees must decide whether it's worth it to come to work or pay someone (sometimes more money than they earn) to watch their children. I've seen many situations where kids are "posted up" in the back of a workplace/office while parents work and try to watch their children at the same time. It becomes stressful for all involved - the workers, the children and the employees."
We looked at everything — nannies, daycare, preschool — but it was all so expensive it wasn’t an option for a single-income household. The state covers some costs, but not enough. We would’ve had to cover the rest. I would’ve been working just to pay someone else to raise my kid. And then we’d be right back where we started. So I left my job, and for three years — until she started school — I was a stay-at-home dad.
There have been times in my life when the lack of reliable childcare deeply affected my ability to work, attend school, and simply show up as the parent and person I want to be. As a single parent, even a small gap in childcare can feel overwhelming—missed classes, lost income, constant stress, and the fear of falling behind despite working so hard to move forward.
