Why are Australian families paid a subsidy to put their child into the care of someone else (childcare providers), yet a parent who decides to be a stay at home parent, receives no subsidy to care for their own child?

I am a stay at home mum who is a firm believer that I will love, care for and educate my own child better than any childcare provider will.  But, I am financially disadvantaged for wanting to be a hands on parent as I receive no financial support from the government (post maternity leave) by making this decision.  

Children need the maximum amount of love, care and attention from their own parents, but our childcare subsidies make this parenting decision a financially difficult one.  No wonder the bullying culture in kids is getting worse, kids are being pushed into the care of others without getting enough time, love and attention from the people who love them the most and who want to “be there for them”, but can’t be due to financial reasons.

My suggestion is that parents should have a choice on how to use the subsidy money.  They can either take the subsidy themselves as a way to fund (if even in the smallest way) their decision to stay home and be a hands on parent, or if they want to return to work, then the subsidy can be used to pay for a childcare provider.

This concept is not even on the radar of our current governmental parties and I think it’s about time we at least get the idea entertained.  Please share so we can challenge the government into new ways of helping the parents of Australia, be the best parents they can be ❤️