Column | No, calling Grandma isn't the way to fix nation's child-care crisis

Opinion: Freeing our parents and grandparents from elder care would make child care more affordable and accessible

In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, child care advocate Ellen Bravo argues that we need to "call on Grandma" to help solve the nation's child care crisis. She suggests that we should encourage grandparents to provide more child care, even if they are already caring for elderly parents.

While I understand Bravo's desperation, I believe that her proposal is misguided. For one thing, it is simply not realistic to expect grandparents to be the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Most grandparents are already over the age of 65, and many of them are already caring for elderly parents or spouses.

Furthermore, even if grandparents were willing and able to provide child care, it would not be a cost-effective solution. The cost of elder care is already high, and it is only going to increase as the population ages. If we were to shift the responsibility for child care to grandparents, we would simply be creating a new set of problems.

There are better ways to address the child care crisis. One is to invest in affordable, high-quality child care programs. Another is to provide financial assistance to families who need help paying for child care. We should also make it easier for parents to take time off work to care for their children.

Calling on Grandma is not a solution to the child care crisis. It is simply a Band-Aid that will not address the root of the problem.

The high cost of elder care

The cost of elder care is a major burden for many families. According to a study by the National Council on Aging, the average annual cost of nursing home care is over $100,000. The cost of assisted living is also high, averaging over $50,000 per year.

Many families simply cannot afford to pay for elder care out of pocket. As a result, they must rely on government assistance or Medicaid to help cover the costs.

The high cost of elder care is a major reason why it is not a realistic solution to the child care crisis. If we were to shift the responsibility for child care to grandparents, we would simply be creating a new set of problems.

The challenges of caring for elderly parents

Caring for elderly parents is a demanding and time-consuming task. Many elderly parents have complex medical needs that require regular attention.

In addition, elderly parents may also experience cognitive decline, which can make it difficult for them to care for themselves or others.

Caring for elderly parents is a full-time job. It is not something that can be done in addition to working and raising a family.

Conclusion

Calling on Grandma is not a solution to the child care crisis. It is simply a Band-Aid that will not address the root of the problem.

There are better ways to address the child care crisis. One is to invest in affordable, high-quality child care programs. Another is to provide financial assistance to families who need help paying for child care. We should also make it easier for parents to take time off work to care for their children.