Motherhood and Child Care
When my son was five weeks old, I became a single parent and faced the reality of doing everything on my own. I was breastfeeding, juggling a nine-to-five job, and handling every 7 a.m. drop-off and 5 p.m. pick-up at the child care center. Always on the go, I was rarely able to catch my breath and be present with my son. I was a different mom than I am now because I was not happy in my career, and the fact that I had to leave my baby for 9-10 hours a day with someone else was breaking my heart. I felt like I was living in two different worlds: I was in love with motherhood, and at the same time, I was overwhelmed and felt like his child care providers were raising him instead of me. I knew I had to find a way to change my situation.
I researched possible careers that would give me the flexibility to be at home more. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh, but I was not using my degree in my corporate job. So, I decided to start a licensed child care business in my home. I took classes, attended state licensing training, and networked with my new mom friends to see how I could help them with my entrepreneurial venture. The sense of community I built with other moms became a source of moral support and understanding, and it allowed us to form great relationships while I cared for their children.
When I was still working in the corporate world, my son had some excellent caregivers. I remember his infant room teachers, Miss Katherine and Miss Becky.
Trusting My Son’s Child Care Providers
They would text me pictures and videos of him dancing, singing, and playing. My son was a happy and joyful baby, and I could tell they had a genuine love for him. I trusted them like extended family.
One time, my son’s father and I were not seeing eye to eye, and he showed up at the child care center to pick up my son without telling me. I was off that day and had him home with me, but Miss Becky called to tell me what happened.
I was so grateful to have special child care providers who showed me through their actions—not just their words—that they cared. This was valuable to me as a parent back then, and now, as a child care provider, I show the same love to the parents I support.
I did face many challenges with motherhood and entrepreneurship, but I had no choice but to take the risk and see it through. I couldn’t do it alone, so I reached out for help. The Early Excellence Project, an initiative that uplifts and mentors early child care providers, played a big part in the guidance that helped me create a new livelihood for me and my son. They helped me achieve my business goals by gaining my license credentials and professional certifications. Additionally, I can continue to take many professional development courses and stay current on the latest training.
Recently, I attended a state training with the theme, “Working with Young Children Through a Trauma-Informed Lens,” in Hershey, PA. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning sponsored every licensed child care provider for two nights at the Hershey Lodge. I was able to bring my mother and 8-year-old son with me. I attended the conference while they enjoyed the indoor water park. This is one of the many perks of being your own boss and running your own child care business. You make your own schedule and hours, and you can schedule days off as needed.
My days look completely different now than when I had a corporate job. As a child care provider, my typical day could be attending a local storytime at the library, spending time at one of the museums, or venturing to the local playground. These outings are perfect for young children to explore and grow while meeting and playing alongside other children in the same developmental stages.
Child Care Is The Best Career For Me
Being a child care provider complements my life as a mom because the two roles are so closely related and intertwined. I treat children in my care as my own, and I value and respect each and every one. I support them individually by adapting and tailoring activities and toys that enhance their developmental growth as they evolve and reach their next milestones on their childhood journey.
It also helps that mutual understanding exists among myself and the families I serve. For example, when a child in my care gets sick, or my child gets sick, the other mom and I understand because we both know what it’s like when the unexpected happens. In contrast, in the corporate world, we are often treated as just a number and do not experience the same empathy and grace when life happens.
Being Supportive Of Single Mothers
As a single mother, I know the difference the support from a caring child care provider can make in a mother’s life, and I’m thankful to be able to support families in this way. I developed my business plan to cater to the non-traditional needs of families. This is why I offer drop-in, emergency child care, as well as a part-time child care schedule. This allows me to support families and fill in those gaps that a traditional child care provider normally cannot provide when they operate on a full-time schedule. I also support moms by providing transportation, pick-ups to and from home to my child care, as well as field trips to parks, museums, libraries, spray parks in the summer, and more.
In addition to allowing me to be more present for my son, becoming a child care provider lifted me from the people-pleaser mode I was accustomed to and catapulted me into an assertive, goal-oriented, and driven woman. My son became my “WHY,” and he inspired me to wake up each day and be the best version of myself then repeat that each day with the families I serve.
I believe in truth-seeking, advocating for others when it’s difficult for them to advocate for themselves, and integrity within one’s self and one’s community. I’m calling on mothers who believe in these principles and are passionate about contributing to the early development of children to consider starting their own small businesses as child care providers. I know the struggle of balancing work and motherhood, and this role has been the ideal solution for my family. Maybe it could be for you, too.