Anonymous
July 25, 2026Childcare solutions used & satisfaction
If you needed childcare in the past 10 years, what childcare solutions (e.g., childcare center/nursery, nanny, family support, adjusted work schedule, etc.) did your family end up using? Are you satisfied with the availability of childcare options in your country of employment, why or why not?
I have used primarily day care centers. I have also used (to a more limited extent): part time nanny and adjusted work schedule for me and my spouse. I have found it difficult to obtain a spot in a quality daycare. Nannies are expensive and often unreliable.
Joined multiple waitlists?
Did you join multiple childcare waitlists while searching for care?
Yes
Biggest challenges & their impact
Looking back, what were the biggest childcare challenges (e.g., long waiting times, affordability, quality, location, etc.) your family faced? How did these challenges impact your work and family life?
Long waiting times at quality day care centers was the primary challenge for me. I have had to reduce my work hours or work late in the night to provide child care in combination with a part time nanny. Also, when the child is sick (which happens frequently in the early years) and cannot go to daycare/school, it is always very difficult to find last minute a child care plan. I am fortunate that my schedule is flexible when I am not teaching, but without any family nearby, there has been times when it was very difficult to manage the situation if I was teaching.
One thing to change
If you could change one thing about today's childcare system, what would it be? (For example: access, affordability, quality, employer or university support, emergency backup care, or anything else.)
my university offers a child care center but I live far so it wasn't a practical option for me. The main thing I would change would be to create more spots in day care centers (the only reliable child care option) and also have work offer back up care when child is sick and cannot go to day care.
Additional insights
Are there any additional comments or personal insights you would like to share about childcare?
I think it is a real issue for working mothers, especially those who do not have work flexibility. Academics usually enjoy a lot of flexibility (work from home, adjust hours) so it has not been too bad. I would add that flexibility can have its flip side. Because my schedule is more flexible than my spouse's, I end up having to be the back-up caregiver whenever needed.
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