In 2.5 years I've never asked anyone if their child goes to childcare. The only reason I would is if I'm looking for somewhere new and want to know what theirs is like. If your response was simply no, then that's that. I might say I wish I could stay at home and not use childcare. Because I do understand the budgeting pressure a lot of families are under in order for one parent to stay home, whether or not care is used is not usually a flippant choice. I hope you don't come across too many judgmental people.

And if I knew you, and I knew you were in the industry, I would *love* to know your thoughts on local centres. I love where DD goes, she seems to like it and from what I see the carers are great, but she's there for 7 hours that I never see. If there are things going on there that would make someone in the industry not use the centre, I'd want to know.