Pros and Cons of Using Relatives for Child Care

Using relatives for child care can be both beneficial and detrimental. In some ways, relatives caring for your children can be a blessing, but more often than not it is a curse.

I have used relatives to care for my children and day care centers. I must admit, the care my children received in the day care centers was on a much higher level that the care they received from relatives. However, the cost was high for the care.

Here are the main pros and cons of using relatives for child care.

Pros:
-They are family, so they automatically have a bond
-They are usually free, which is great if you're on a tight budget
-They sometimes live close by or are willing to come to you
-They will most likely give your child one on one attention

Cons:
-They are not regulated like a daycare center is, so no one checks up on them to review the quality of care
-They are usually not CPR certified like daycare center staff is, which can be dangerous in the event of an emergency
-They usually don't respect your wishes and parenting style. They tend to take the position that they know best, and you know nothing
-They are more likely to fall asleep on the job
-They will likely hold it over your head that you used them for child care
-They are more likely to let your children get away with inappropriate behavior without disciplining them
-They will spoil your children ROTTEN
-If their home isn't clean, there's not much you can do about it

When my children were in the care of my mother, my rules were constantly disregarded. She always said she knew what was best because she has experience. But, as every mother will tell you, when it comes to my kids I know more than anyone. Not to mention, when you are trying to set consistent standards and schedules for your children, the constant undermining of your rules and lack of discipline can make your job as a parent ten times more difficult.

When my children were in the care of a daycare center, my rules were treated as law. If I said that my son wasn't allowed to have soda, then he wasn't given any. If I said he gets a time out if he doesn't listen, those rules were enforced. My children were never allowed to run wild in daycare. The center was always clean, and the staff were all CPR certified and trained in Emergency procedures. I felt much safer when my children were in daycare then when they were in the care of my mother.

Even though the cost was over $500 a month, and my relatives were free, I still preferred having my kids in daycare. There was an added peace of mind and respect for my wishes that I didn't get when my children were cared by relatives. Everyone's situation is different, but in my situation I preferred to use a daycare center.