Family Stories

After my second child was born, I did the math. Childcare for two kids would cost more than my take-home pay. I left a career I loved because staying didn't make financial sense. Now I worry about the resume gap and whether I'll ever get back to where I was.

When my daughter needed specialist care, insurance denied the claim. We had to choose between paying for her treatment or keeping up with childcare costs. We put childcare on credit cards. The debt feels crushing, and we're still not caught up.

I run a small home daycare. I charge $1,800/month per child—more than most families can afford. But after insurance, supplies, and food, I barely make minimum wage. The system is broken for everyone. Parents can't afford care, and providers can't afford to stay open.

I got on childcare waitlists when I was 12 weeks pregnant. By the time my son was born, I still didn't have a spot. I had to quit my job and lose employer-sponsored healthcare. The irony isn't lost on me—losing healthcare because I couldn't find childcare.