Updated: August 2, 2023
Originally Published: May 12, 2016
“Get your piggy banks ready!” This quirky PSA from Make It Work shines a light on the staggering costs of childcare in the U.S., and while it’s wrapped in laughter, the reality is anything but humorous. In many states, parents are now spending more on preschool for their four-year-olds than they would on a college education for themselves. Seriously, how did we get here?
Gone are the days when parents could comfortably save for college; now, many find themselves financially exhausted before their little ones even hit public school. The age-old advice of “Don’t have kids you can’t afford” is starting to feel more and more outdated. So, how exactly do you prepare for this daunting financial journey?
In an effort to lighten the mood, the PSA features adorable children giving financial advice. One little financial guru tells his client, who appears to be about four, “The average cost of childcare is around $11,000 per year per child. So, it’s time to start saving fast! If you begin now, maybe in 20 years you’ll manage to afford childcare comfortably—sort of.” He follows up with a cheeky, “Honestly, you might just be scraping by.”
As a parent, I can relate. My child attends part-time preschool, costing us $400 a month for just four days a week, three hours each day. If we opted for full-time, that would skyrocket to $900 monthly. And let’s not forget our three-year-old in daycare, which adds another $450 for two full days a week. To juggle full-time daycare and preschool for both kids, we’d be shelling out a whopping $1,950 a month—more than our rent!
In total, our part-time arrangements alone run over $10,000 a year. Next year, with one child entering kindergarten, we can finally afford an extra day of daycare for the other. However, we’re hesitant to increase our expenses because we’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck.
Make It Work’s mission is clear: America needs sensible workplace policies and bold solutions to help families thrive. As they state on their website, “It’s 2023, and hardworking individuals deserve more than just a decent living—they deserve a fulfilling life.”
Want to make a difference? You can take a simple pledge: “From now on, I’ll only support candidates and elected officials who advocate for policies that help us all succeed: equal pay, a living wage, paid family leave, and affordable childcare.”
This important message reminds us that we need to advocate for the future we want for our families. You can also check out this informative post about home insemination and related fertility topics, as well as this resource for navigating pregnancy and childcare options.
In summary, while the rising costs of childcare may seem like a joke, the truth is it’s a serious issue affecting families across the nation. We must address it to ensure a better future for our children.