Unfortunately,it's not just the cost of raising a child that has increased-the basic cost of living in general keeps growing and the majority of people we know are saying the same.My husband has always worked long,late hours and luckily earns good money.We are comfortable and everything is paid,with some little luxuries (take-aways/holidays)thanks to the hours he puts in. I tried going back to work twice-once when my first son was a toddler,and the second time when my twins were 6 months old and my eldest was starting playschool.Both times I had to leave as we were both exhausted,the hours weren't compatable,and as we didn't want to leave the boys in childcare so we relied on family help.If anything happened with the children-illness or accidents I had to assure my managers that I was a reliable employee first and a mother second!That's not something any mother should be compromised into feeling.My husband has worked increased hours since Christmas to cover the bills that continue to creep up,the weekly shop that for a family of 5 isn't cheap, aswell as his growing business costs.We hardly spend any time together as a family-he's either at work or exhausted from his 6 day week,and obviously i'm manning the ship at home.We have just accepted that untill the children are all at school,then I can start to find work that suits the family,and contribute financially but at least i've been able to see my children grow up and been a constant in their lives.Unfortunately it's my hubby that's had to work longer and harder to cover rising costs,and miss out on important home time.There is no balance in day to day living for us any more,only hard work and compromise-unless you are happy to be a stay at home mum,or a working parent with good childcare options,and some kind of large income being earned in reasonable hours,with a sympathetic family orientated boss-is there anyone who has that?i'm jealous if there is!

I think it's so tough for families these days. My husband also has to work incredibly long hours in order for us to continue paying the mortgage. I decided not to go back to work after having my daughter because I didn't want to miss out on the early years before she starts school. To be fair though, with the cost of childcare it wouldn't really have been financially viable. I think people who have grandparents on hand to help out are really, really lucky. At least you know your children are still being cared for by family whilst still being able to go out and earn some money.

It really is a difficult decision to make. My husband often works long hours and I now have to work too. Before my young children started school I was able to work only one day a week, and yes, Grandparents were pleased to help. I couldn't help but feel that I was restricting them though as they had retired and should have been able to be more free. Now the children are at school I am able to work more. I loved being around when my children were little, we personally didn't want our babies to go into childcare. With the financial situation changing though, it must be very difficult to carry on with only one income. With two incomes to make ends meet, life is often not how you planned it to be - not spending enough time as a family, sharing out childcare. Although it may have all been planned before baby arrives, it doesn't always pan out that way and you have to continually adjust to each set of circumstances. You can only try your best for everyone

Soaring costs of everything yes but also the maternity leave trap which forces mums back to work even if they have changed their minds when they realise that being parted form their baby is not actually what they want, but they cannot afford to repay the money.