It takes a village to raise a child. The exact origin of this saying isn’t documented, but it is believed to be from Africa. It suggests that it takes many people, perhaps even an entire community, to ensure a child grows up safely and well.
Childcare centers are a part of this “village.” They support parents and the rest of the family in preparing young people for life as best as possible and in imparting important values. That’s why we wanted to know from parents what difference a good external childcare option makes for them and their children. We received countless responses, from which we would like to share a selection.
The answers were diverse, personal and sincere. Often the word “village” was used literally, referring to the care for a growing child, of which the childcare is a part. Many parents also emphasized that childcare gives them time and space to focus on themselves, their jobs and their careers. It’s important for them to know their children are in good hands. But also, the word “balance” came to mind for many, as their childcare enables them to find a personal balance between work and family.
Hearing that one belongs to a family, an open and tolerant place that allows all family members to live their lives the way they wish, is a great compliment for a childcare. It shows that an egalitarian society needs good care solutions, and these are not just for the children. The responses from families demonstrate the importance of care solutions today. They record how vital these are for Switzerland and for every individual. They have captured a piece of contemporary history.
“As parents, childcare options give us the certainty that our little treasures are in good hands. We can continue to pursue our profession without worry. The childcare workers really do great things! Our 14-month-old son absolutely loves going to childcare. It’s adorable to see how he develops and what he takes away from childcare.”
Laura
“For our family, a good childcare offering is indispensable. Both of us, mom and dad, don’t want to give up our jobs, which we do part time. For us, workdays are easier knowing that the little guy is in good hands and will have fun when we drop him off at childcare in the morning. We love the ‘spontaneous actions’ of our childcare – on Valentine’s Day, the little one could stay until 9 pm and we parents could enjoy a lovely dinner for two. It’s good to know that pedagogically trained women and men are engaging with the kids. As parents, we learn something new in every stage of our son’s life. We are glad when we can just inquire and ask questions at the childcare caregivers.”
Marko
“It takes a village to raise a child into a responsible person. That’s why support in childcare is so important. It allows every family member to grow.”
Anna
“A family is not just one person. Each family member is an individual with special needs. Whether it’s financial or more about self-fulfillment, it doesn’t matter. For inner peace and satisfaction, it’s important to meet this need. That’s why good childcare is essential, so our little ones are safe and protected while family members can pursue their individual needs.”
Antonella“Good childcare in the early years is the most effective ‘investment’ in the education of the little ones.”
Hacer“Our childcare has been a big part of our daily life for six years. Without their support, my husband and I could never have continued our professional journey. Our two older daughters spent a significant part of their early childhood years in two different globegarden childcare centers. And even today, they always like to come along to pick up their little sister. That’s the best proof that they felt very comfortable!”
Kathrin“The childcare helps us have a balanced family life. We can all develop differently and come home full of energy to spend time with each other and give each other love and attention.”
Sammy“Good childcare solutions are important for us families. We entrust them with our most precious achievements to look after when we are busy providing for them: our children. In our case, we specifically looked for an open and tolerant childcare. Our son was born to a surrogate mother and has two fathers. We greatly appreciated the open and warm nature of the people at our childcare and it gave us a sense of security.”
Xavier“When our baby was in intensive care, we were able to drop off our older son at childcare every day. They were so flexible and gave us great support. We need childcare options because the family can’t always take care of the children. They also allow us parents to stay in the game professionally.”
Simon“Without the childcare offer, I would not have been able to combine my professional activities with my family duties. My professional development would not have happened without the childcare. The globegarden teachers are like a second family to us. The kids learn in childcare to feel comfortable early on in a community outside the family and to find their ‘own place’.”
Clotilde“As a family, the childcare gives us freedom. As parents, it brings us independence. To our children, it provides a loving second home with many small and big role models.”
Ladina“Thanks to the childcare, I can remain professionally active, especially since I am often on the road. It reassures me to know that my child is well cared for. The flexibility of the childcare and the support of the grandparents on Monday afternoons are invaluable to us. Our son benefits from the time in childcare, learns new things and how to interact with other children. This facilitates a regulated and stress-free family life for us.”
Pamela“Leaving your child and going to work is incredibly difficult. When I know that my child is in good hands and the care is good, then my heart hurts a little less.”
Patrícia“I can’t imagine going to work if I didn’t know if my children were safe and well cared for during that time. I find it very important that they get to know other perspectives outside of my own. They do that in childcare. Childcare is important for their personal development. They learn to share their views and experiences with other children. As they grow up, they hopefully have a lot of empathy and respect for others.”
Pedro“As an expat, the childcare has helped me raise my child with strong values and integrate them into society. Thanks to the caregivers, my daughter speaks fluent Swiss German, has learned the independence of a Swiss child and has found numerous friends from different cultures. She is an independent, confident and assertive child – thanks to the experiences in childcare and at home.”
Geetika“Childcares are a huge support for families. They create space to help parents continue to develop their professional and personal lives. For the children, childcare is a ‘safe space’ to grow by learning to interact with other children and adults.”
Maria