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[Reflect] Make connections: The problem of child care.

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Kornbluh asserts in paragraph 13 that it is the children in juggler families who “pay a heavy price.” She is particularly critical of child care, which she says is very expensive and low quality. She also cites research indicating that many six- to twelve-year-old children are latchkey kids, “home alone after school each day” (par. 13).

Consider whether your family should be classified as a “juggler” or as a “traditional family” (par. 1). If you are a parent, you might compare the family in which you grew up to the family in which you are a parent and reflect on your personal experience as a child or as a parent. Your instructor may ask you to post your thoughts on a class discussion board or to discuss them with other students during class time. Use the following questions to get started:

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your family’s arrangements for child care. In your view, how could they be improved? Kornbluh appears to assume that being “home alone” is bad for six- to twelve-year-old children. At what age do you think children can take care of themselves?
Consider also your family’s work situation and whether the kinds of flexibility Kornbluh suggests, such as working part-time, working more hours each day but fewer days per week, being able to adjust your daily schedule, or telecommuting, would be feasible. Which, if any, of these suggestions would help your family and fit your family’s workplace conditions?

[Reflect] Make connections: The problem of child care.

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