[danieltillett]

Take this personal anecdote for what it is worth. My office used to be next door to a childcare centre looking after around 40 children. I was able to watch what happened throughout the day and what the staff and children did. After a few months I swore no matter what the financial cost I would not let my children ever end up in childcare.

[Jem]

For me, not using childcare == not working, which means I'd probably lose my home. I'm not sure that risk is worth it.

[danieltillett]

Would you be homeless or just living in a less ideal home?

I am lucky to live in a country where my choice really is just a trade in the level of material comfort, but I understand this is not the same for everyone.

[Jem]

I would be homeless, first and foremost, because I wouldn't be able to pay my mortgage and the bank would seize my assets.

Eventually I would be eligible for state benefits and placed on a waiting list for a council owned property, but waiting lists are long. I might be able to get shelter in a women's refuge in the mean time, but I'm not sure that's an ideal place to raise my children just so that I can claim the moral high ground on childcare use.

[danieltillett]

If you could not pay your mortgage could you not sell and rent privately?

Please don't take this as a critism of your decision - I made mine and I am happy with my choice, but I don't expect that what is best for me is best for everyone.

[Jem]

Private renting in my area (as with a lot of places in the UK) would be more costly than my current mortgage.

I didn't think you were criticising parents who use childcare, least of all me, but I do feel it's necessary for people to understand that the "I'm too good for daycare" argument comes from a position of massive privilege.

[danieltillett]

Sounds like a crazy situation if a mortgage and all the associated costs is less than renting - here in Australia it is considerably cheaper to rent.

I don't think the choice of not using daycare is one that can only be made from a position of massive privilege, but it does involve material sacrifices if you are middle class.