Child Care vs Home Care

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In today's society, many of us are not able to fulfil the traditional role of caring for children and the home full time. Sometimes this is due to unforseen circumstances, sometimes by choice. Whatever our reasons, many of us are placing our young children into some form of care. For those of us who do not have the opportunity to have our children cared for by our extended family (or perhaps do not consider this an appropriate choice), we are left with the decision of whether to use a day care centre or a family day care arrangement. Therefore we have a generation of children growing up with non-traditional care arrangements. Will we see an impact of these arrangements in years to come? Our discussion this week is based on our choice of caring for our children in our own home, or having them cared for outside the home, be it in a specialised centre or a less formal arrangement. We would like to hear your views on which is best ... for the child, for the parents, and even for society as a whole. Does the way in which a child is cared for have an impact on their upbringing, their personality, their confidence, or even their contribution to society in later life? Have you chosen to raise your child at home yourself, or do you rely on part time or full time care outside the home? Share your reasons if you'd like. What are the benefits to these different forms of care? Are there any negatives you've encountered? Do your needs conflict with your beliefs, and if so, how do you find a balance between the two? Whatever your opinions or your choices on this subject, they will be treated with respect here.