The parents themselves are also through it, says Winsemius. In the spring, many parents solved the childcare themselves, now things are different. “Now they say: hello, I have the right to care. I have a crucial profession. It’s just not possible, working with a toddler on your lap.”
That is why Winsemius and her foundation are sounding the alarm. “Learning delays are harrowing, but we are now more concerned about the mental state of the parents themselves and its effect on children. Tensions are really rising in people’s homes.”
René Loman of the Childcare sector organization recognizes this too. “The stretch is gone with many parents. People are less hesitant to bring children and we notice that some people interpret the term crucial profession a little more broadly than intended. But hey, we are not a referee.”
More empathy as an employer
The employer in particular must do more, says Winsemius. Many parents experience pressure from work to come to the office. “More space must be created to combine work and childcare. Otherwise, all your employees with children will soon have a burnout and you will be further away from home. Have a little more empathy as an employer.”
Loman also sees that the pressure from the employer is having an effect. “If an employer encourages you to work – at the office – and you have the children at home, it can be really difficult.”
Veen of the PO council hopes that the schools can open quickly, provided they are responsible. “Everyone has to hand in at the moment: the parents, the teachers, the children. It is a totally undesirable situation and the water is on our lips. We still have to persevere.”
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