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Last year, my family spent about $60,000 on childcare, and unfortunately, this year will be no different. In fact, it’s likely to exceed that number. When I share how much we spend, people are often shocked and ask how it’s possible. Here’s how it breaks down: Our two youngest (ages 2 and 4) are in full-time daycare, costing about $3,000 a month for both. This includes the toddler and preschool rates. This September, our tuition increased by almost $400 a month making our monthly payment $3,400. Our two older kids are in public school, but we still have to pay After-school care which runs about $1,000 per kid per month. We also have summer camp and vacation camps, which cost between $7,000 and $8,000 for the summer, plus another $3,000 for days off or half days during school breaks. So yes, childcare is a significant expense. On average, full-time daycare costs about $20,000 per year per child. And no, the cost doesn’t just disappear once kids reach school age—it's a myth. Despite these costs, having two people working still makes sense for our family based on our incomes and financial goals. This is the reality for many families, and it highlights the need for better solutions. If you’re navigating similar expenses, know you’re not alone. In Massachusetts, the average annual cost of full-time daycare for a child is approximately $20,000, making it one of the highest in the nation. This significant expense often surpasses many families' mortgage payments, placing a substantial financial burden on parents. The high cost of childcare is a major factor contributing to the gender disparity in the workforce. Many women, particularly those without college degrees, are disproportionately affected by these expenses. In some cases, childcare costs consume a significant portion of their income, leading some to leave their jobs or reduce their working hours. Addressing the childcare crisis is essential to promote gender equity and support working families. Implementing policies that reduce childcare costs and increase accessibility can help ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities to participate fully in the workforce. #childcarecrisis #childcare #workingmom

Veterans Day is of enormous importance to my family and me. I recently sent out the following note to all?Care.com?employees, sharing some personal stories and encouraging others to share their own. If you have a story about a Veteran close to your heart, please share in the comments so we can honor their legacy together. Today, we honor the courageous men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, standing up to protect our nation and freedoms. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifice, dedication, and resilience that our veterans embody. For me, as the son of an Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Veterans Day carries personal significance as well and is a very important day in our family. To every one of you who has a Veteran in your family or close to you, know that we stand with you in appreciation. To the Veterans among our team at?Care.com–your service inspires us all. Your unwavering commitment to others reflects the very best of who we strive to be as a team. Thank you for all you have given. I’ll start us off by sharing two recent stories from my family. First, my brother, as an Administrator for Celina School District in TX, is a part of Celina High School’s annual event to recognize veterans. The students line the hallways to applaud, honor, and celebrate the Veterans down the school corridors as they make their way to the auditorium (pictured below) to be honored and celebrated. If you’d like to brighten your day, visit the link below to view the event. https://lnkd.in/gjJgTB8S Second, my father was selected to take part in an Honor Flight last year, sending veterans to Washington, D.C. to honor their service. Accompanied by my brother (also pictured below), my father had the opportunity to tour many memorials and monuments alongside his fellow veterans. I’d like to share some words from my father as he reflected on this experience. “Like many veterans, when I left the military in 1968, I wanted to distance myself from my service, from the uniform and even from the people I served with. There were just too many memories that were best left alone. Over the years, time has provided the insight to not only accept my time in the service but to feel proud of not only myself, but all those that served. I have now engaged in a number of organizations and efforts that primarily promote the benefit and treatment of veterans. For me, the high and low point of the trip was the Vietnam Memorial. It evoked the most thought and self-reflection. I was incredibly proud of the fact that the country (through donations) had chosen to recognize the sacrifice of all who made the ultimate sacrifice during this catastrophic war. I was also saddened by the memories of so many of the names that I knew on the Wall. I knew them as boys, I miss them as the men they would have become, and I miss the friends they will always be.” Veterans and families of veterans, you have my deep respect and gratitude.