The US is facing a super concerning issue - a declining fertility rate and skyrocketing childcare costs 
. I think it's crazy how much of a difference regulations can make on childcare prices. If states are trying to improve child-to-staff ratios, that's cool, but it shouldn't come at the expense of families' wallets 
.I mean, what's the point of having more kids if you can barely afford to care for them?
It's not just about women who have to balance work and family life - many men are also feeling the pinch when it comes to childcare costs. The fact that younger women are less affected is interesting, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a national issue 
.The federal pandemic-era relief funding was a lifesaver for families, so it's no wonder it's been cut off
. We need policymakers to get creative and find ways to make childcare more affordable without sacrificing quality or regulation. Maybe some kind of subsidies or tax credits could help 
. It's time to tackle this issue head-on and support families in their ability to plan for the future 
.
With childcare costs skyrocketing, it's like, what even is the point of starting a family if you're gonna have to sacrifice your entire career to afford it? 
The US needs to step up its childcare game ASAP! 