Of course child care needed
Cariboo Press -- Salmon Arm Observer
June 8, 2007
Letters - Christine E. Lein, Retired RN

Why are we still discussing the need for quality child care?

There has been a need for at least 30 years when I was searching and it is more difficult today.

What is the point of higher education for women if they are expected to stay home for 12-plus years because of a lack of quality child care. It is especially critical for shift workers, eg. hospital workers, police and military.

There should be child care in all workplaces where there are more than 50 workers and child-care workers deserve more pay for such an important job.

Child care was available during the Second World War, because of a shortage of skilled labour and the same applies today.

It is good for children to have other loving relationships than with their parents. They learn through play and play with other children is crucial before they start school for language and social skills.

If one lives in a rural area, one has to drive to do this as there are fewer children today and an aging population.

Fortunately, I could rely on grandparents, friends and neighbours, but this is not possible if one is new to the area or has moved across the country or from overseas.

It is also important for young mothers to spend time away from their children for a few hours. There is no more tiring or demanding job than being with young children 24-7.

Mothers need time out for their mental health. No wonder the birth rate is plummeting and we need increased immigration levels to replace population growth.

If one is out of the workplace for more than three to five years, it is hard to get the same or equivalent job back without a refresher course or upgrade.

Sometimes you have to go out of the area to do this at your own expense and there could be a waiting list.

Young people finish their education with high levels of student loans, may have to get a car to get to work and if married and want to buy a house, have a mortgage also.

Sometimes it takes two paycheques to get by and some of them do know how to budget. If you leave home for higher education, you soon learn.

Young people need our help and support - it still takes a neighbourhood to raise a child just like it did in my childhood.