For most of us mammas these days we have a need to head back to work after having our little ones, which can be a daunting and guilt filled decision at times, but a necessary one.
Sadly, money makes the world go ‘round and we often don’t have ‘the community’ we once had, of mums, grandparents, Aunties, or sisters friends dogs available to assist us to care for our children as we once did.
So what are our options?
Centre based care; which includes, Long Day Care, Occasional care and preschool for younger children, are all based in a service that is regulated by the Australian governments. These can be privately owned, not for profit enterprises, council or community run. They all include educational programs for children, qualified educators and endless social opportunities for children.

Family Day Care; this is often much cheaper and is also covered by the governments rebates, benefits and regulations. FDC takes place in a residential home, (so there are less children) and also must include an educational program for those who attend.
Nannies; these are quite expensive and are not regulated by the government, so there are no official safety nets to ensure the quality of care. Many families like this private option and there are many quality nannies out there if you can afford them and get your hands on them.
Top Comments
The only problem I can see is not with the quality of childcare available but with the tiredness of working parents and the potential for lack of patience. If a parent has been up half the night settling a teething infant and then having a gruelling work schedule sometimes it can be difficult to be patient after collecting a child from care.
It's a difficult situation as many people need two incomes to maintain their lifestyle and I admire them for their skills at juggling work and child raising.
The one thing I do find very difficult to understand and that is parents knowingly dropping sick children off at daycare. Not very fair to the staff and other children and I can't see how a loving mother or father doesn't want to be with their sick child comforting them. This I find difficult to comprehend.