The Parenthood

Should all children have access to three days of quality, early childhood education? We believe so. Why? First, because it's really good for their social wellbeing and development. Children who have access to quality early learning are half as likely to arrive at school behind. Second, it enables parents to participate in paid work which is an economic necessity in almost every household. Providing for a family isn't cheap. Yet the Productivity Commission could lead you to believe that access to quality, affordable daycare doesn't have much bearing on a parent's "choice" about how and when they work. We know that's bollocks, and we suspect you know it too. So why don't the PC?! Their latest report doesn't reflect the reality for most families in Australia in 2024. We'd love to know if you agree? Share your thoughts below 👇🏼

Myth: Childcare is easy to find, no matter where you live. ❌ Truth: Access to childcare depends on where you are, and it’s not as simple as it sounds. ✅ From metro cities to regional towns, availability varies greatly. Factors like the number of centers, staff-to-child ratios, daily costs, waitlists and quality of care all play a role in whether families can secure a spot. For too many parents, finding childcare feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. 🧩 It’s time to acknowledge the real challenges and push for a system that works for all families—no matter where they live. 💪

What's the best lesson fatherhood has taught you? Share your experience with us 👨👧👦

📣 We hear you 📣⁠ ⁠ The cost of early learning and care isn’t ‘one size fits all.⁠ ⁠ Last week, we talked about the huge strain early education and care costs are placing on families. Many of you reached out, pointing out that the reality varies based on so many factors—job type, location, workload, and more. Many of you also pointed out that cost doesn't matter if you can't even secure a place. ⁠ ⁠ And you're absolutely right.⁠ ⁠ Whether you’re in a high-cost area, a "childcare desert" or balancing care for multiple children, this system should work for every family. That's why the potential for a universal system - where there is place for every child, it's FREE for low-income families & CAPPED at $10-a-day for everyone else - would be a game-changer. No more worrying about fluctuating fees or hidden costs.⁠ ⁠ What’s your experience with the cost and availability of early learning and care? How would this change help your family? Let's keep the conversation going.⁠ ⁠ Share your story below and let’s continue advocating for better support. 💛

Running myself to the bone balancing work, kids, and life admin... but hey, I wouldn’t change it for the world! 💀😂 Parenting might leave us feeling like skeletons, but we keep going! Who else is bone-tired but still hanging in there? 🦴💪

MORE THAN A NUMBER 📝⁠ ⁠ This isn’t just one parent’s story. It’s the reality for hundreds of thousands of Australian families. Parents who want or need to work, contribute, and provide for their families, but they’re trapped by a broken early childhood education and care system that leaves them without options.⁠ ⁠ No parent should be forced out of paid work because they can't access quality education and care for their children. It’s time to demand better.⁠ ⁠ Join the fight for accessible, affordable, quality early education and care for all. Check out our latest report "Impactful" at the link in our bio to learn more

The math isn't mathing.... ➗️⁠ ⁠ Imagine spending over a third of your paycheck on early childhood education and care. ⁠ ⁠ For many Aussie families, that’s the reality...⁠ ⁠ Is it right? No⁠ ⁠ Can we do something about it?!⁠ ⁠ Absolutely....⁠ ⁠ Help us make the change by signing up at the link in our bio or on our website

THIS would be a game changer for families. 🙌 A flat-fee of just $10 a day for early childhood education and care would be extraordinary cost-of-living relief for parents across the country. For so many families, the financial pressure of childcare costs is crushing. But the cost of living is so high that for most parents in Australia in 2024 paid work isn’t a “choice”. It’s a necessity to provide for a family. Broke if they do, broke if they don’t is the trap far too many young families find themselves in. Totally affordable, accessible early childhood education and care means parents of young children will have genuine choice about how they combine work with their family. It will relieve a major financial pain point. AND, it will set children up to thrive. This could be the key to securing a brighter future. Let’s make sure this becomes a reality. Share if you believe in $10 a day childcare! 💛

Access to quality childcare shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right 📢 That's what Ryan Carters from @dadfit__ believes, as do we at @theparenthood "Everyday at childcare drop off, I’m grateful for the amazing educators who care for and teach our son. Too many families don’t have access to this. We need to make sure every family can access affordable, high-quality childcare. Funding childcare is investing in our future." Affordable, high-quality childcare isn't about convenience; it’s about giving every child the best start in life and ensuring parents can work and provide for their families. What do you think? Share your thoughts with us 👇🏼

“The course was vital in helping me establish an environment that met the emotional, social, educational and physical needs of all children enrolled at my centre,” Continuing the celebration of some of NSW's best Early Childhood educators, congratulations to Samantha Zannes who was awarded Vocational Student of the Year for 2024. Samantha has not only become a adored educator to her students, but also a trusted and respected mentor to educators who are joining the industry. With a passion for working with students with additional needs, Samantha is especially grateful for the study/life balance she's been allowed; “I love that I had the ability to study online in my own time while gaining relevant industry on-the-job training at an early education provider".