Childcare Options Disappearing for Middle-Class America

I've worked as a nanny off and on for a few years now. I love kids, and I love the one-on-one connection you get to form when working for a specific family. But it's definitely a far cry from paying the bills.

There are many middle class families that need childcare. But for those with both parents working to make minimum wage, it's impossible for them to pay a sitter a livable wage.

I once had a woman request my services for her pre-school age child. She made me an offer, and after I divided it into an hourly rate, it boiled down to a whopping $1.79 an hour. I couldn't fault her though. A single parent working in fast food and trying to provided all the basic necessities of life for her family can only afford so much. But with a heavy heart, I had to turn her down, because I have my own family to think of. It does make me wonder, what did she do about child care in the end?

It seems middle-class parents are forced to make some very unfair decisions. They have to choose between over crowded, understaffed daycare centers that accept DHS vouchers, the private care taker offering an affordable rate, but with too many children in her care, or the option for one parent to stay home, which honestly, isn't an option for many, especially single parents.

It's the ultimate rock and hard place of these tough financial times. I call it the ultimate because it has a far greater impact than meatless meals or a missed evening out. It's a matter of who is going to be raising our children and in what environment?

On the other hand, there are those navigating this dilemma more easily. Those who can afford to pay a decent wage for childcare or can afford to stay home. There are those with extended family in a position to help. There are those who can find the select care takers (more often stay-at-home parents themselves) who ask for little money for the nurturing environment they provide.

But what about all the other parents? Or more concerning, what about all of the other children? The ones who will go to crowded day cares and get ear infections and pink eye this winter. Or will be left home alone a little too young and with a little too much processed food to keep them company because genuinely good parents can't afford the alternative. Is there nothing that can be done for them?