Careful Choices: Parents Reflect on their Childcare Decisions

doi:10.1080/13575279.2020.1765147

Paper

Careful Choices: Parents Reflect on their Childcare Decisions

Published Oct 14, 2020 · J. Ferguson, Chanel Lampkins, Brandon Moody

Child Care in Practice

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Parents (N = 123; 90% Caucasian; 99% with college experience) of young children (ages 1–5) were asked to list the top three reasons for their childcare choices. Parents were also asked a hypothetical question about how their childcare choices would have changed if money were no object. Results showed that the majority of participants who chose parental at-home care did so mainly to spend more time and bond with their children. A majority of participants choosing nonparental childcare did so for child socialization reasons. In addition, most participants reported no desire to change their decision even if money were no object. However, the majority of those who would change their decision reported a desire for more, or different, nonparental care.

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayParents primarily choose childcare based on bonding with their children and child socialization, with few wishing to change their decisions if money were no object.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Careful Choices: Parents Reflect on their Childcare Decisions

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