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Nana to Nanny
Today, grandparents are the country's leading childcare providers, watching 21 percent of the nation's 19.6 million preschoolers during the workday, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Why do so many parents turn to their own parents for childcare? One reason is that daycare costs are prohibitive for many two-income families. A recent survey conducted by the Children's Defense Fund found that childcare runs an average of $4,000 to $6,000 a year -- and as much as $10,000 in some cities. But there are other factors as well: "There is nobody that you'd trust more with your child than his grandmother," says Faith Wohl, president of the Child Care Action Campaign in New York City. "She's connected to your baby, and she loves him almost as much as you do."
The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
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In our family Grandpa appreciates caring for our toddler more so than Grandma. He is genuinely interested and helpful, and active with her, loves to teach her and play with her. Grandma takes the attitude that she is helping, doing a favor, and reminds my husband she has done it before and takes the "I raised # boys and I know what I am doing" although we may not agree and find this very stressful. I naturally prefer grandpa to be with our children.
3/1/2010 11:07:01 AM Report AbuseI had grown to hate my job when Deb told us she was pregnant. I was 60 so nearing retirement and was only too happy to care for my grandson when he was born. I feel so blessed to be able to help in his early development and education. It is a lot of work though, and I so wish that I were younger and more fit. It's tough on the body!
1/8/2010 05:23:34 PM Report AbuseI'm writing a book on this topic entitled "BABYBOOMERANGERS" and would love to include comments and stories from other Nana's caring for their grandchildren (email me at babyboomeranger@gmail.com). For me, the rewards far exceed the effort ¿ other friends have similar views and still others have very different experiences. Who knew that our "baby boomer babies" would be looking to us, the original baby boomers, to care for the next generation? BABYBOOMERANG!
12/4/2009 12:54:59 PM Report Abuse