The cost of childcare

In the 1960s, childcare was about 2% of the family budget. (Not ours--we had one income.) Today it is 17%, 2nd only the mortgage or rent. (USDA statistics reported in Parent Link, Group Publishing). 2 things come to mind. First, many well-educated, married mothers are employed, so a big chunk of their income goes to pay someone less qualified than themselves to raise their children and model values. Second, single moms are paying an even bigger percentage in childcare and have no choice.