On September 10th, during the second presidential debate, many mothers were hopeful that the candidates would address the pressing issue of childcare costs. Despite the efforts of advocacy groups like MomsFirst, which had petitioned CNN to raise this issue during the first debate, the topic was largely ignored. This has left parents across the nation still seeking answers on how the candidates plan to tackle the escalating costs of childcare, which are a significant source of stress and are impacting every aspect of their lives.
According to a KPMG report, childcare expenses are rising at a rate nearly double that of inflation, making it unaffordable in all states. The First Five Years Fund discovered that the majority of voters are eager to hear the candidates’ plans for addressing this issue. To highlight the urgency of the situation, 14 mothers shared their personal stories of how the high costs of childcare are affecting their lives.
Nicole, a mother of two, had to liquidate her 401k to cover childcare expenses, which has hindered her family’s ability to save for the future and has led them to limit the size of their family due to financial constraints.
Kim L., a mother of one, has faced the difficult choice between paying for childcare and essential bills, resulting in utility shutoff notices.
Maddie K., a mother of two young children, feels that her family’s life is on hold until her children are out of daycare, as the cost has put a halt on home ownership, vacations, and other quality-of-life improvements.
Ana B., a mother of two young girls, has decided not to have more children due to the prohibitive costs of childcare, which is a heartbreaking decision for her.
Rebecca T., a mother of two, and her partner have had to forgo the idea of a third child because of the financial burden childcare would impose.
Brittany C., a mother of two young boys, is on an extended leave from her job as the cost of daycare exceeds her income, forcing her to consider alternative professional paths.
Sarah M., a mother of three, had to leave her post-grad program and was out of the workforce for five years due to the high cost of childcare, which complicated her situation further when her son was diagnosed with cancer.
Jill M., a mother of a toddler and an infant, is taking a longer paid leave to avoid the exorbitant costs of childcare but fears it may negatively impact her career.
Kelly B., a mother of two young children, describes an impossible situation where her family is barely making ends meet, with childcare costs preventing them from improving their living conditions or considering expanding their family.
Lisa L., a mother of two, is using her savings to pay for daycare, despite her family appearing to be doing well financially.
Maddy B., a mother of a toddler and an infant, is considering moving to a different state for cheaper childcare or prioritizing a higher salary over job satisfaction.
Alyssa F., a mother of three, endures a job she dislikes for the free childcare it provides, which would otherwise cost her nearly $2,000 a month.
Victoria S., a mother of twin toddlers, moved across the country to find more affordable childcare, significantly reducing her expenses but at the cost of her previous lifestyle.
Catherine A., a mother of a 2-year-old, has had to settle for a less expensive home than her income would allow due to the high cost of childcare.
These personal accounts from mothers across the country underscore the urgent need for political leaders to develop and share comprehensive plans to address the childcare crisis. The financial strain and life-altering decisions these families are making due to the high costs of childcare cannot be ignored, and it is imperative that the candidates provide clear strategies to alleviate this burden on American families.