So...This is super long .. but I thought if you're interested i'd give you the opportunity to read it. :]
The prompt started as follows:
For this assignment you are one partner in a two-earner marriage. You have two children, a six year old girl and a six month old boy. Your basic monthly expenses are: Rent = $1500 Car payment = $350 Auto insurance = $65 Food = $900 Utilities = $200
we also had to put in day care cost in our community as well as other expenses and discuss our views on the family roles.
Cost of Family
I contacted two facilities of care in Riverside county, one was a place of business where the other place is a home day care. The home day care cost about $500 a month, $800 for two children. I would be able to leave my children early, for a fee which would be concluded at the time of drop off. Late pick up is okay, for a fee which is to be determined, if the child is left they will try to contact me, if not they will contact the police. They are licensed but upon the visit I felt the place was not up to par. It seemed homely, but not a place I feel my child would receive their needs met. The women in charge were very friendly. She sponsored food, snacks and toys for the children as well as nap time. But in the end I would not see myself leaving my children with them.
The next facility was the RCC child care program. I spoke with one of the teachers since the main coordinator was not in during my time of visit. The teacher advised me that for my infant it would range $1,200.00 a month for full time with out the meal plan. With the meal plan it would range from $1,300-$1,500. I would have to supply my own diapers and clothing for my infant along with wipes and special snacks. If I am not on the meal plan I must provide my own formula. The positive to this experience is that the teacher ratio is 1:4. The full time hours are 6:30 am – 5:30 pm. Late charges apply to $1.00 a minute. Also if the school goes through the list of emergency contacts and none respond than they call the police in a ½ hour and this is considered neglect. An officer stays with the child until you come and the matter now turns into a police matter.
Next for my six year old the cost of full time day care would range from $700-$800. This is a teacher ratio of 1:12. I must provide extra clothing and If I am not on the food plan than I must provide a lunch for my child but the day care provides breakfast and snacks.
Since my six year old should be in school by than they will be going to day care half time which, for the afternoon, is 2:15pm – 5:.30pm. The cost is than cut into half, so roughly $350.00-$400.00. The same late rules apply.
For the RCC day care facility, I liked because I was able to peer into the children’s rooms with a mirror window. The students nor the children never know if I am or a superior is viewing them. I feel that it gives the teachers an idea that they are always being watched, which gives me a peace of mind that teacher abuse may not be a factor. I am also able to call my child if I need to speak with them.
I feel RCC would be a better choice for me because of the facility and the great communication I received just as a potential customer.
The following is a list of questions I asked both day cares:
1. What is the ratio of teacher to student?
2. Is snacks provided?
3. Am I able to drop the children off early?
4. Are their late fees?
5. Am I able to contact my child?
My basic monthly expenses are:
Rent = $1500
Car payment = $350
Auto insurance = $65
Food = $900
Utilities = $200
Child care = $1700
For a rough estimate of $4,715.00 a month.
This is minimal, minimal living. For this type of living and both of us working we would need to each make at least $2,600 a month. This is $62,400 a year combined. This total does not include transportation, entertainment, clothing vacation, two cars or savings. Not even a house. With those objects in mind, to live comfortably with no worries a family will need to make at least $120,000.00 a year combined to live the life with no problems. To live a comfortable middle class life, which I do not find anything wrong with, you must earn $57,000 - $82,935 according to the fax foundation (2007 inquiries).
Many difficulties may arise from both parents working as well as some strength. With both parents working we begin to see maybe a mother finding work a better Haven for her rather than home (pg 360). This may lead to a mother or father perhaps not being there for the child and not rearing the children the way they need to be. This leads into cases of emergencies, such as illness or sickness of the children that needs to be handled. This may become a huge problem if one of the spouses works far or their employer is not understanding about the family situation, which some will not be. I would not want this to sound like an easy fix but I believe being close to your family, such as the grandparents or your brother and sisters can eliminate the hardship of this problem. If an emergency comes through you should be able to rely on your sister to pick up little Abby. If you do not have close family than maybe a close friend whom you do trust will work the problem out. I think having a “secret word” with your child and the trusted people will keep this method safe as well as talking to your children about the importance of not going with strangers. With out the outside support of family, friends or even a “mommy group” comes the suggestion of one parent staying home or working part time.
One benefits of both parents working is the added income. With both parents working money may not cause conflict between the couple but at the same time it may not rear the children the way you may want them to be, ultimately causing the children to perhaps act out on occasion.
Another benefit would be that maybe one of the spouses is receiving benefits from their work. For example, at my work place I receive full benefits and my employer will cover my dependants by half as well as my spouse. This may take a load off our cost and I know my family will be taken care of. At the same time comes the cost of not being their for your family as well as the headache of the day care.
With the benefits of two parents come the benefits of only one parent working.
With one parent working it eliminates the day care cost and if you’re a good parent you may help the development of the child and satisfy his or her needs. But with this benefit comes the downfalls. The parent may feel trapped and inevitably not help the child. Also the child will not experience the interaction of school mates until kindergarten, possibly hurting their socializing skills.
Another benefit of one parent working is for the simple idea of peace of mind. The mother and father will always know where their children are. Are their with the “Third shift” mentality.
With these ideas, a family may also consider shift work which may satisfy the needs of the income and the family time but it may put stress on their marriage.
Personally, looking at the expense to raise a family has really helped me. I would want the best for my children but also be able to maintain a good career and be content with what I have. At 20 years old I can not imagine the impact a family would have on my life right now. But looking into the future I think I would choose to work. I currently work in a Tustin office and commute everyday, but I think I would want to have a workplace close to home where I can attend to my children as needed and hopefully my employer would work with me. I would want my husband and I to be able to cover expenses and provide for my children. At the same time it would be hard to make this decision because I have not had kids yet and at the time I may feel differently. I know my work idea may work when the children are older but thinking about the time I would miss from infancy to toddler years have me questioning. I believe this decision would have to be made when the time comes. But for now, I have the idea of both parents working.
I'm freakin awesomexoxo
:]
LA is love. :] lol. 
