When my husband, Brandon, and I became full-fledged dairy farmers in the fall of 2014, we knew there was a tough road ahead. We anticipated frozen water cups (so many frozen water cups!), flooded barns, sick cows and everything else that goes wrong on a farm in sub-zero weather. The one challenge that we didn’t see coming was in the form of our 18-month-old son, Cassidy.
All summer and fall, Cass was the first out the door to the barn, riding his tricycle up and down the mangers and alleys, and getting to know all the new cows. The minute the mercury dropped, all that changed. Chore time was marked with tears and tantrums – from both of us. More than one night found us putting kids to bed and heading back out to the barn, and more than one afternoon’s worth of work went undone because of a delayed nap time. Soon Brandon and I came to a conclusion – for our sanity, for Cassidy’s sanity and his safety, we needed to find child care.
We enrolled him at our previous child care center twice a week and found a neighbor who was delighted to watch him while his older brother, Tucker, attended preschool. At the time, it seemed excessive – part of the reason we started to farm was for the family time! But it easily turned into one of the best family and farm management choices that we have ever made on our dairy. Not only was Cassidy happier when he was warm and playing with his friends, but we were able to finally get on a schedule that wasn’t easily derailed by an interesting episode of Bubble Guppies, and one that didn’t involve trying to figure out how to keep him safe while we worked with machinery and cattle.
Not all child care is created equal, however. In addition to the obvious financial concerns, there are a number of questions to ask when deciding what child care situation works best for your family.
What kind of care will work best for your family?
Last spring, I had the opportunity to take an off-farm position as the executive director of Cassidy’s child care center and became an advocate for state-licensed and inspected child care centers and child care homes. To find a regulated child care provider near you, most states have organizations, such as Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), that can provide you with lists of providers, questions to ask and sometimes even average prices for your area.
If an organization like CCR&R isn’t available in your area, check out your state’s Department of Human Services website. Should you choose not to utilize a regulated provider, be sure to read up on the rules that may affect those providers – be sure that your provider is following the guidelines.
How much care do I need?
Don’t underestimate the amount of care that you need. If you find yourself rushing through tasks because you need to pick up the kids or are always running late, the needs of your family are probably not being fulfilled. Schedule enough time that you can finish your normal, everyday chores and make it to pickup without having to set a land speed record.
Is the care convenient?
Is it located close to home? Also, consider other errands that you run often – if you have older children in school, you may want to consider child care that’s on the way. Ask yourself if your child care will meet your family’s needs as it grows or as your children grow. Choosing a center with a quality infant or after-school program can save you time and transitions down the road. Does the provider (or do you) have backup to cover sick or vacation days?
Does the care meet my child’s needs?
Is the environment safe? Do they serve nutritious meals and snacks? Will your child be participating in age-appropriate activities that foster growth and learning? Will the provider be a positive influence in the life of your child? Children are constantly and consistently learning from their environment (which is why I don’t recommend sorting livestock around young children); make sure they are spending their time in a quality one.
Have a backup
Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor or the high school girl down the road, find someone you can call when it’s 8 p.m., the vet is on his way, the milking equipment has gone down and the kids haven’t eaten or showered, and it’s a school night.
All of us will agree that there is no better place to grow up than on the family farm, and quality child care will only enhance that experience! PD
Heather Moore is a dairy farming mama herself, raising two little boys (and a third on the way!) with her husband, Brandon. The Moore family has a 50-cow dairy and custom feeds 800 head of beef cattle near Maquoketa, Iowa. Heather is also the executive director of a non-profit child care center, while Brandon is a district sales representative for a feed company. When she is not chasing around cows and kids, you'll find her volunteering, cooking and very occasionally, sleeping.
PHOTO: Photo by Heather Moore.
