{"id":19689,"date":"2019-10-04T11:51:01","date_gmt":"2019-10-04T15:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/?p=19689"},"modified":"2020-01-27T12:00:33","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T17:00:33","slug":"child-care-guilt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/child-care-guilt\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things to Know about Child Care Guilt"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"child-care-guilt\"

Experiencing child care guilt because you\u2019re leaving your child with a nanny? That’s perfectly normal and is felt by many working parents. It can be a good thing that you\u2019re working, and your child is with another loving caregiver.<\/p><\/div>\n

Feeling guilty leaving your child with a nanny? That’s perfectly normal and is experienced by many parents every day. You naturally have a deep emotional attachment and sense of responsibility with your children that the thought of someone else caring for them could cause distress and anxiety. This guilt may be the hardest part about going to work (or returning to your job after maternity or paternity leave). You may even feel selfish by putting your professional needs before your family.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s ok. As we\u2019ll explain, it can be a good thing that you\u2019re working, and your child is with another loving caregiver. So try to relax and know that you and your child will be fine.<\/p>\n

Here are five things to know if you are experiencing child care guilt.<\/p>\n

1. You are not alone<\/h2>\n

Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau 61 percent of children under the age of five<\/a> are in \u201csome type of regular child care arrangement?\u201d At the time of the study, 12.5 million children were in the care of someone other than their parents during the workday.<\/p>\n

On top of that, a poll on Workingmother.com showed that 57 percent of respondents feel guilty every single day<\/a>, while 31 percent feel guilty at least once a week.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a lot of guilt to go around! But it gives you an opportunity to talk with other working parents on how they manage child care guilt or separation anxiety. Listen to their stories of crying babies and clingy toddlers and get their advice on how to get through it.<\/p>\n

If feelings of guilt or anxiety persist over several weeks, you may want to seek assistance. Child care guilt is not uncommon so a good mental health professional should be able to help.<\/p>\n

2. Feel confident in your choice of a child care provider<\/h2>\n

How your child will be cared for while you work is a big decision with many factors involved in ultimately choosing a provider. Take your time in choosing the right nanny for you and your children. Ask yourself these questions:<\/p>\n