Family providing childcare

Childcare by a family member, such as a grandparent, can be an excellent choice as long as you trust them to make decisions on a day-to-day basis regarding areas such as food and discipline.

However, if you have completely different ideas regarding childcare techniques. It might not be the best choice for you, your child, or the relative concerned. Grandparents can be notoriously indulgent with their grandchildren – often to the amazement of their grown-up children, with whom they may have been much stricter in childhood – and little things might bother you, like the stream of candy and snacks on offer to your child. Try to accept that it’s not going to hurt your child for one or two days a week an that if you have clear rules at home your child won't expect the same from you.

Advantages of family providing childcare:

- Free or low-cost.

- Informal and flexible.

- Your child gets to develop a close relationship with a family member outside their immediate family.

- Your child can be looked after in their own home, or at the relative’s home.

Disadvantages of family providing childcare:

- You may have very different opinions about childcare, particularly if there is a big generation gap.

- Older relatives may not be as active with your child as you’d like.

- You may find it hard to address any problems for fearing of upsetting the relative who is caring for your child.

- If the relative is ill it may be hard to arrange a contingency childcare plan.

While family members might give their time for free, you won’t want them to be out of pocket and so should supply diapers, formula milk, wipes, food etc.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 15/06/2007

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