Decision making process by first time parents of childcare choices

Abstract

Childcare arrangement is one of the daunting tasks for parents everywhere, one which has been made even harder due to several influencing factors. The process of selecting the best childcare arrangement has resulted in a widespread and growing interest on parental decision-making process concerning childcare choices, thus the major focus of this research. Based on the theoretical model of decision-making and choice, this qualitative study explored the decision-making practices of first-time parents. Four parental figures (i.e. two males and two females) were interviewed separately to elicit information on their decision-making practices. The findings revealed that the decision making process for childcare arrangement was regularly conducted under significant time constraints as parents were occupied with the demands of a career, possessed limited experience and were equipped with limited information. The main factors associated with parents’ decision towards childcare as evidenced in the literature such as the actual quality of childcare arrangements, convenience, parental preferences, opportunities, constraints and cost of alternatives were also explored as part of the decision-making process. This study contributes by improving knowledge for childcare researchers and policy makers about parental childcare decision-making for the betterment of future generation. Recommendations for future research are further made based on the results.