Childcare Plays A Huge Role In Parents’ Employment Decisions
BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 05: Single mother Nancy Kett, 19, cradles her 11-month-old daughter Lucy in the playroom of the "Jule" facility for single parents in Marzahn-Hellersdorf district on October 5, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. The Jule project helps single parents by helping them to find jobs, job training and housing, advice on child development and day care in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, a district in east Berlin with high levels of unemployment and social problems. Currently 14 single mothers and one single father are participaring at Jule, which opened its doors in the spring of 2012. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
As a Mom my kids are ALWAYS top of mind for me. It’s one of the reasons we chose to host an Aupair for our kids.
When looking for a job, there are plenty of folks that have certain criteria they are looking for, and certain perks and benefits they want from a gig. But when it comes to parents, there’s one thing that basically becomes a deciding factor – childcare.
A new Harris Poll finds:
- 78% of working parents say their child or children’s childcare needs play are a major influence in their current employment.
- It’s a very important factor in things like employment status, hours of availability and choice of employer.
- That’s particularly true for 67% of moms and 79% of dads.
- The most important thing parents are looking for in a job is flexibility.
- 68% of working parents are more likely to take a job if it offers flexible scheduling to accommodate their childcare needs.
- 62% would be more likely to accept a job if a company offered a childcare stipend.
- 62% would also be more likely to take a job if it had free onsite childcare.
So, how do most working parents deal with childcare?
- Of the 83% who use childcare services, 41% use services of a familiar adult.
- 34% rely on after-school programs, with dads more likely than moms to do so (39% vs. 14%).
- Only about 15% of working parents rely on a nanny.
Regardless of the type of childcare they use, it is far from easy for most parents.
- 39% say they struggle to afford it.
- 71% say dealing with childcare decisions is overwhelming.
- 69% say trustworthy childcare is hard to find.
Source: The Harris Poll
LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. LauRen is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA and is a proud wife and mother of two. She is the owner and chief editor for her fashion and lifestyle Blog “All Of The F-Words” and is a champion for the Autism community. You can read all about LauRen’s thoughts on motherhood, pageant life, and everyday life through her online content.
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