| Grandparents | Baby-sitter | Live-in Maid | Child Care Centre | |
| Convenience | Flexible pickup Life is one big rush if grandparent is staying some distance away Probability of resorting to weekend parenting - weak bonding with child |
Usually nearby - convenient | Own home advantage | Few CCC take infants Late pickup costs you! |
| Cost | Levy, salary and meals - high for one child | Subsidy from government | ||
| Adult-Child Ratio | Probably a ratio better than 1:5 | Ratio of 1:1 - personal attention Danger of relegating caregiving entirely to the maid |
1:5 for 2-18 mths ... infant stimulation is low 1:8 for 18-30 mths 1:12 for 30 mths - 3 yrs 1:15 for 3-4 yrs 1:25 for 4-7 yrs |
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| Commitment | Ties of relationship - higher commitment Parents dare not dictate preferences - fear of souring relationship |
"More committed" under the watchful eyes of parents | High turnover of caregivers | |
| Philosophy of Child Care | Tendency to spoil grandchildren | Limited education Only avenue of work Motivated by money Possible conflict of interest if baby-sitter has own children of the same age group |
Young girls - little or no experience in child development Usually not given authority to discipline children |
Training levels of Basic, Intermediate and Advance as required by MCD |
| Values | Different religions - communication of beliefs to grandchildren? | Unknown? | Dare not to impose beliefs | |
| Health and Safety | No health screening | Maid's problems become your problems Potential for abuse and neglect - a trusted adult needed to be around |
Health screening for caregivers More bouts of coughs and colds - passing from child to child |
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| Materials, Equipment and Activities | Lack of toys Troublesome to ferry toys back and forth Two sets of toys? |
No planned program Lots of TV Provide mainly physical care |
Own toys Language problem? - language development especially important for toddlers |
Wider range of educational toys Planned schedule help develop routines in child Continual "on" atmosphere - does not allow child to have "quiet" moments |