It’s natural for marriages to go through good times and bad. Despite what phase your marriage might be in at this point, there are always things that you can do to help strengthen your marriage and become even more selflessly committed to your partner.

To help you see what some of these things are and move your marriage closer from the edge of divorce if this seems to be where it’s headed, here are three things you can do today to start saving your marriage.

Quit Making Assumptions About Your Partner’s Intentions

One thing that can be a point of contention in all situations of marriage is making assumptions. Especially if you’ve been married to or have known your spouse for a long period of time, you might think that you know them so well that you can safely assume what their intentions are. However, when you make these kinds of assumptions, especially when you assume toward the negative, you might be fueling arguments or resentments that don’t need to exist in the first place.

Rather than doing this, try to stop making these kinds of assumptions right now. Instead, seek to communicate more with your spouse and ask them about their intentions. By doing this, you’ll be able to have a more accurate view of what’s going on in the mind of your partner and can react to them based on reality rather than what you’re concocted in your own mind.

Brainstorms Ways You Can Address Your Own Problems

With some problems within a marriage, one partner may be far more guilty of the issues arising. But with the most common marriage problems, there are usually missteps that happen on both sides.

With this in mind, you should take some time to think about what you may have done to contribute to the problems you’re currently facing in your marriage. Since the only person you can really change is yourself, brainstorming what you may have done and how you can keep from making these same mistakes in the future may work to address some of the issues you’re presently having a hard time with.

Commit To A Clean Slate

If you and your spouse decide that you really want to do the work to get your marriage back on track, it’s vital that you both commit to this idea by giving each other a clean slate. What this means is that each of you truly extend forgiveness to the other for any mistakes they may have made in the past. Bringing up past mistakes won’t do you any favors in saving your marriage. So if you’re really ready to turn over a new leaf, make sure that leaf is completely over on its other side.

If you’re ready to start saving your marriage today, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you see what you can do to begin this journey.

While having a child is a dream come true for many people, unfortunately in the US, infertility is a huge issue. Statistics show that around 10 percent of women in the US have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Although there a lots of stories about people accidentally getting pregnant, in reality, it can be quite difficult to conceive. When there are fertility issues, a lot of couples may choose to go down the route of IVF. While effective, it can be expensive, and you are not guaranteed to get pregnant the first time you try it. If you are wanting to start trying for a baby, but you don’t want to explore the IVF route, then here are some tips that can make conception easier.

East Healthy Foods

Eating healthy is a great way to increase your chances of pregnancy. Keeping your body healthy and full of the right nutrients can aid in fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body will go through an enormous amount of strain, so it is important that you prepare yourself for that so you can ease some of the pain of pregnancy. Additionally, your baby is relying on you for its nutrients, so it is good practice to start eating healthy and being aware of what nutrients you need. It is recommended to avoid foods high in trans fats and consume less animal protein and more vegetable protein. Additionally, iron deficiency can be a common factor in infertility, so make sure you are eating foods that are rich in iron. If you are trying to avoid animal products, then some great sources of protein are spinach, beans and peas.

Take Prenatal Vitamin

Another thing that could help make conception easier is by taking prenatal vitamins. Sometimes when people struggle to conceive, it can be that their body is lacking in some vitamins and therefore pregnancy is less likely to occur. Fertility supplements could be a good idea for you and your partner as they support sperm and egg health and assist in balancing hormones and boosting immunity. Needed’s fertility supplements would be a good place to look for prenatal vitamins as they provide a conception support package for both you and your partner. It is important to remember that the responsibility of conception is not just on one person, both people should be doing what they can to stay healthy and increase the chances of pregnancy.

Exercise

Like eating healthy, exercising regularly can be a great way to increase the chances of conception. Exercise is great for our bodies as it can reduce overall stress levels. Feeling relaxed and not stressed can be an important factor in getting pregnant. You want your body to be calm and relaxed when trying to conceive and exercise is a great way to bring calmness to your body. This does not necessarily mean you need to be lifting weights seven days a week, but perhaps find some moderate exercise that you do enjoy and try to do them a few times a week. Again, if you do get pregnant, it is important to keep your body healthy, so creating an exercise routine now can ensure you stick to your good habits during the pregnancy.

Track Menstrual Cycle

When you are trying to conceive, it is an important idea to track your menstrual cycle. Generally, tracking your menstrual cycle is a good idea as it gives you a clear idea of when your period is expected and can allow you to manage the hormone change. When trying to conceive, you ideally need to be having sex in the days around ovulation. Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary, so you are most fertile the day before and the day after ovulation. Tracking your menstrual cycle can make conception easier as it means you can see when you are due to ovulate and can therefore have sex with your partner. Thankfully, tracking your menstrual cycle can be quite easy as there are plenty of apps that do the work for you.

Talk To Your Doctor

Ultimately, if you are really struggling to conceive, the best advice we can give is to go and see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine if there are any underlying issues that you and your partner are not aware of. Fertility tests can be done to determine if there are any particular issues, and they can give you treatments to try and solve these issues. Additionally, if there are any problems with nutrient deficiencies in either you or your partner, your doctor can tell you exactly what you are lacking. This means you can start eating the right food or taking the correct supplements and hopefully you will get pregnant.

 

Even as the pandemic seems to be winding down, parents are still working remotely. The ability to work from home, limiting their commuting time and optimising time spent with family, is an unexpected benefit of a difficult situation. But as things are opening up and the pandemic recedes, the reality of working at home while providing childcare at the same time has become clear: remote-working parents need help with childcare.

Ordinarily, there are many different kinds of childcare available. Home-based care is a popular choice for families that is not as appealing if you are also home trying to work. Quieting your environment while allowing your children to get much-needed socialisation and educational opportunities is probably the priority. What kinds of options are available outside the home?

1. Long Day Care

Centre-based long day care is suitable for families that work regular weekdays and need reliable coverage. If you work from home every day, all day, this may be the right decision for you. Here in a centre-based care environment your child can find loads of opportunities for socialisation with other children, as well as play-based learning led by early childhood education specialists. You can get your work done with peace of mind knowing that your child is well cared for and happy.

Centre-based care has the advantages of being reliable and fully staffed, so there will not be any last-minute surprises of unavailable care. Also, the routine of attending regularly can make your child’s experience smoother and more rewarding for them and you.

2. Occasional Care

Centre-based occasional care is best for families who do not need coverage every day, but would like to have periodic opportunities to work or make appointments. If your work schedule is flexible this may be a good arrangement for you. By expressing interest and going on a waitlist, you will have an opportunity to use slots that are left open when other children are absent. This may not be the best arrangement if your work-from-home arrangement is more structured.

3. Preschools and Kindergartens

If your child is aged 3-5 years, preschools and kindergartens that operate in stand-alone centres may be right for you. With a structured learning environment and top-notch educators, these programmes offer the kind of orderly day that some children crave. It can also be a great way to prepare your child for more formal education opportunities.

4. Business-related creche

If you have a membership to a facility that offers informal childcare in creches, you may be able to use this to cover the gap you have between working from home and attending to your children. If the amount of work that you do that requires your full attention is not a full day, or if you can shift some of your work to hours outside the normal workday, you may be able to leverage the membership you already have to provide the coverage that you need. Even if there is a small fee per use, the cost can be reasonable for the amount of help you get. Your child will have the opportunity to be safe and socialise with other children, and you will get time to get pressing tasks that require concentration done. But these creches do not typically offer education quality or educator-to-child ratios that promote learning the way a centre-based service would.

By investigating the types of childcare that are available to you, and keeping in mind your specific needs for both your work and your children, parents that are working remotely from home can get the help they need to both successfully work from home and take care of their families.

 

 

Most parents struggle with keeping their kids entertained at home during school holidays without having them glued to screens all day. It can be pretty challenging to figure out what activities to include in your kid’s daily schedule at home while adding value to their growing brains. Keep reading this article to learn easy ways to keep your kid entertained at home.

Solve puzzles

Puzzles are an excellent way to help keep your kids’ brains sharp and healthy. When choosing a puzzle, ensure you pick one that is appropriate for their age and stage of development. A too-easy puzzle might result in boredom, while a complex puzzle might make them lose interest in the game.

Play board games

Introducing board games to your kid’s daily activities is a great way to keep them occupied. Board games stimulate healthy brain activity and help kids develop problem-solving skills. When choosing a board game, consider one that is appropriate for your child’s age to make it more engaging and reduce their likelihood of getting frustrated.

Read books with your kids

Books have a way of introducing us to different worlds and genres. For kids, it is very important to teach them how to read early enough. Reading helps kids identify shapes, colors, and letters at an early age. If your kids are too young to read, make it a habit to read to them. Reading to your kids expands their vocabulary, improves their listening and cognitive skills, and helps them develop their language.

Listen to music and dance with them

Music is a great way to make kids have a great time indoors. You can also burn lots of calories while you are at it. Did you know that babies begin to recognize music when they are still in the womb? While you listen to music, you could dance to the beat and help your kids make use of all the extra energy they have. Dancing is also an excellent way to engage the brain and improve memory.

Complete house chores and cook

Kids love being included in activities around the house, most especially in the kitchen. You could allow your kids to help wash the vegetables, mix the dough, and organize the refrigerator. A kitchen play set for kids can be a great way to introduce key utensils and kitchen appliances before they can join you in the kitchen. Ensure you also involve them in grocery shopping to teach them the various types of fruits and vegetables.

Paint with watercolors

Painting helps children with sensory development and fine motor development. This creative exercise also helps children learn colors and gives them an outlet to express their emotions. Painting is also a great activity to help teach concepts like shapes and letters fun and engaging. Ensure you use paints that are safe if accidentally ingested and those that can easily wash off of clothes, walls, and clothes.

Wrapping up

When choosing an easy way to entertain your kid at home, identify what activities you can do together with them so that you can bond. Make it fun and encourage your child when playing.

If you have a loved one that’s expecting, it’s understandable if you want to throw a baby shower to celebrate the impending birth of their new baby. However, in the wake of COVID-19, many parents-to-be may feel more comfortable opting to host festivities virtually, rather than having close physical contact. A virtual baby shower can be great for connecting loved ones and celebrating the happy news. To ensure you have lots of fun and everything runs smoothly, here are some tips on how to host the ultimate virtual baby shower.

Give Plenty of Time

Just like you would with an in-person baby shower, you need to send out invitations well in advance, regardless of whether you’re hosting it online. This is because guests may have plans and might not be able to attend. Guests will need more time, especially if they plan to mail gifts to the parents-to-be. If you’re not sure when to get the ball rolling, it’s advised to plan the baby shower a month in advance. That way, everyone will have enough time to fit the event in their diaries.

Discuss Preferences

When you host a virtual baby shower, it’s important that you get some input from the parent-to-be. You don’t want everything to be a surprise, so make sure to have conversations about the event with your loved one. You may find your loved one has certain baby shower games they don’t like, or there are people they’d rather not attend!

Whatever you discuss, ensure you try your best to accommodate your loved one’s needs. After all, the attention will be on them, and you want them to have a baby shower they’ll always remember, rather than look back on with dread!

Choose the Right Platform

Once you’ve invited everyone to the virtual baby shower and had discussions with the parent-to-be, it’s time to look for a platform to host proceedings. Thanks to technology, there are all kinds of software you can use for the event. Because of COVID-19, many of us have some knowledge of videoconferencing apps already, like Google Hangouts and Zoom. Whatever platform you pick, it’s best to choose one that’s easy to use. You may find that some attendees aren’t as tech-savvy as you. To avoid any problems, stick to popular videoconferencing platforms, as this will ensure celebrations get off to a good start.

Pick a Theme

After you’ve chosen a videoconferencing platform for the virtual baby shower, the theme is the next aspect to focus on. Like an in-person shower, a virtual baby shower can have any kind of theme you wish. To get things right, take the mom’s interests into account. For example, you may find the mother-to-be likes to keep things minimalistic. Therefore, sticking to her wishes and not going overboard is a must!

Picking a baby shower theme will take time. However, once you’ve settled on one, you can get creative with the kinds of invitations, background décor, and games for the event which revolve around the theme.

Find Fun Games

The most important element of a virtual baby shower is to have fun! Therefore, you need to pick games that everyone can get involved in from their computer screen. Sure, you may not be together in person, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of fun games you can all play from the comfort of your own homes. If you’re scratching your head and can’t think of any ideas, take a look at these virtual baby shower games. Just make sure you get input from the parent-to-be!

Think About Food and Beverages

If you were to host a baby shower in real life, you would inevitably put on a spread full of tasty food and beverages for all to enjoy. Because you’re hosting proceedings online, that’s not to say you can’t do something a little quirky regarding what to eat. Depending on your budget and how many people are attending the virtual baby shower, you could send a little something edible for each guest to tuck into during the event. For those that don’t have the means to do this, consider providing a tasty treat and non-alcoholic drink for the parent-to-be. For everyone to enjoy themselves throughout the baby shower event, make sure to remind attendees to stock up on snacks that they can enjoy at their desks.

Create a Plan for Gift Opening

At a traditional baby shower, there will be a moment where the mom-to-be opens the gifts and thanks everyone for their presents. Because everything will be conducted online, you’ll need to make alternative plans. For example, why not set aside time for your loved one to open gifts on camera and hold them up close so attendees can see? You could even put on some background music to make this part more fun and prevent any awkwardness!

Do a Trial Run

If you have never hosted a virtual baby shower before, it’s normal to feel anxious and nervous about getting everything just right. Rather than stressing about the occasion, doing a trial run of the event should help you feel more confident. Set aside some time a couple of days before the shower to get comfortable with the video conferencing software and camera.

You don’t want to be dealing with technical issues on the big day, so taking some time to practice will pay off. You can invite the parent-to-be to come on a quick call to ensure the sound and video are working correctly. Once you’ve done this, you should hopefully look forward to hosting the shower as your nerves will be settled!

Hosting a virtual baby shower doesn’t have to be hard work. As long you do all the above, this should be an enormous help throughout the planning stages and ensure you throw a virtual baby shower that everyone will look back on with fond memories.

 

Are you struggling to shop for the right kids’ toys over the internet? You are at the right place. There are several steps to help you purchase the ideal kids’ toys online. First, it is helpful to keep the kid’s age before placing an order online. This is because if you settle on a toy of an older child, it may hurt the kids’ little fingers. Some may even be hazardous when swallowed by the little one.

On the other hand, if you buy a toy meant for a smaller kid than your kid, you kid may not have an incredible experience playing with it. So, it is crucial to always keep in mind the age of your kids before shopping for a toy online. Read on for more important things to consider when purchasing kid’s toys online.

Consider the Toys Safety

It would be best to check the kids’ toys’ safety before buying one from the leading online stores like https://myhappyhelpers.com.au/. Not all toys on display are safe for young ones. The safety of toys is, for the most part.

But much of this could be personal to you what you think is best for your child. Try to pick age-appropriate toys for your kids. Note that toys with sharp parts are not suitable for infants. That is why if you read their covers, they would be marked for an older range of age.

Additionally, check the components of the kids’ toys and see how they are manufactured. Does it look safe for your younger one? Are there tiny screws that might be dangerous for the child? When you ask yourself all these questions and find answers, you might be able to pick the right toys for your kids.

Check if it Enhances Creativity

It is recommendable to choose toys that are a bit complicated. This is because toys that do everything for the child do not offer enough fun. When it comes to kids, they like using their imaginations, so make sure you settle on toys that encourage this.

Toys like building blocks are great since they allow kids to be creative and build whatever they want. It is also fundamental to do your homework well before ordering toys that cater to your kid’s specific interests. Moreover, it is best to pull back a little and ensure you allow them to create toys fun for themselves.

Buy Kids Toys That Enhances Physical Activities

When your kids grow older, they will most likely have adequate time to participate in video games. For that reason, it is advisable to encourage them to play with physical toys at a younger age.

Therefore, when shopping for toys over the internet from the best websites like myhappyhelpers.com.au, you will find them in a vast range of selections. There are a lot of toys that involve more actions instead of playing while sitting in one position. These toys require the kids to walk while pushing them before light up. They can even fly kits in the fields and run along behind the kits. Take your time and order something that best suits your kids’ needs.

 

Teens can be a complete mystery to many parents. While these developmental years can be a challenge, there are some behavioral and physical warning signs that the natural moodiness of your teen may be caused by something more serious like substance abuse.

There is immense pressure on teens to expand their knowledge and experience. From sexual activity to trying drugs, teens are constantly barraged with temptations. If your teen is displaying unusual or extreme behavior, you may need to pay closer attention to find answers.

Substance abuse is an issue that affects people of all ages but is particularly serious for teens that are in the developmental stage of their lives. While substance abuse recovery is always an option, parents need to take a more active role when it comes to discovering a problem in the early stages. Let’s take a closer look at some of the warning signs of substance abuse in your teen.

Extreme Changes

While your teen may often seem like a stranger to you, this is not that unusual. Teens go through a lot of physical and hormonal changes that can affect their behavior. You are looking for extreme changes that don’t seem quite right in your teen. Look for these more extreme shifts in your teen if you suspect they may have a substance abuse issue:

• Changes in natural temperament that seem permanent
• Changes in their traditional group of friends
• Secretiveness or obvious lying
• Extreme weight changes
• Extreme Moodiness and Anger

Smoking

One of the first things teens often try as a stepping stone to more serious substances is smoking cigarettes. The good news is that it is tough to disguise this habit. As a parent, you may be able to easily smell the scent of tobacco on your teen’s clothes and body. If they suddenly start to chew gum daily or claim that a new friend is smoking around them to account for the smell, it’s a clue that they may be smoking. Smoking cigarettes is a serious enough habit that can quickly turn into an addiction that is hard to kick. Teens that smoke cigarettes are also more than four times as likely to try marijuana and other drugs.

Physical Health

Teens that are using drugs or alcohol often go through physical changes that should be obvious to their parents. These changes go beyond the natural body and growth stages of adolescence. Look for these changes in your teen that could indicate a substance abuse problem:

• Extreme weight loss or gain could be caused by substance abuse. Stimulants can result in rapid weight loss, while depressants or opiates could cause rapid weight gain.
• Personal hygiene is often ignored by teens who are struggling with substance abuse. If your teen has changed their personal care habits, it may be a sign of a problem. Your teen may look disheveled, change their showering habits, or seem unaware of their physical appearance.
• Chronic coughing could be an indication of smoking or inhalation of other substances.
• Fatigue could be a sign of substance abuse. While many parents view their teens as a bit lazy, you should be looking for extreme fatigue, sleeping long hours and a lack of energy or enthusiasm for normal activities.

Deception

If you are catching your teen in lies, you may want to look a bit deeper. Teens that are abusing substances are going to do everything that they can to cover up their activities. It’s important to pay close attention to their behavior when your teen has been caught being deceptive. The habit of lying can turn into more serious offenses. Your teen may try to steal money or belongings that can be traded for cash to fuel their habit.

Aggressiveness

Addiction can cause serious shifts in attitude in your teen. Most addicts become focused on getting their next fix and don’t care what may be standing between them and what they want. If your teen has been showing aggressive behavior towards family members and friends, it could indicate a problem. Yelling, extreme anger, and intimidation techniques are often used against siblings before they progress to the parents, so talk to your other children about what may have happened between them and your teen.

While raising a teen can be challenging, it is still the job of parents to observe and react when things just don’t seem right. If your teen is displaying any of these extreme behaviors, it could signify that they may have a substance abuse problem. Talk to your school or private counselor about the right steps to take to get help for your teen.

 

When it comes to your health, you want the best family doctor close to home. A primary care physician looks over your overall health, especially regarding your lifestyle, medications, and even cancer screenings.

There are several things to consider when choosing a medical practitioner: talking with your family and friends, weighing your medical needs, and asking about insurance coverage. You need to trust a local doctor as your primary care physician.

Here’s how to choose the best family doctor in your area.

Talk With Family and Friends About the Best Family Doctor

The best information about choosing a family doctor often comes from your family and friends. You want the most honest and best advice, and by asking your family and friends about a medical practitioner, you’ll get it!

Be sure to ask them what they like (and don’t like) about the doctor personally. You’ll want someone with a suitable bedside manner and someone easy to discuss complex medical issues in a straightforward fashion.

Family and friends can also help you find a local pediatrician when you become a new parent. You might also ask your current doctor for a recommendation, especially if retiring.

Consider Your Medical Needs

Perhaps you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a chronic autoimmune condition that needs constant monitoring. While the medical industry is full of specialists, you need a family doctor who knows enough about these conditions. You also need a doctor who can send you to a specialist in the healthcare industry when you need it most.

Understanding your condition is critical when choosing the best family doctor. While you want someone sympathetic to your situation, you also want someone who knows what’s best for your care.

Ask About Insurance

The healthcare industry is full of insurance policies and plans, and it’s essential to find out if a potential doctor accepts your insurance. What’s also important is finding out who is ‘in-network’ for any specialists.

Getting this information up front is essential. It will save you time, money, and aggravation, especially once you are knee-deep in a medical problem. If you don’t have insurance, ask about your options.

Experience

Experience is important. As a patient, you want a doctor with the best experience and a solid education in the healthcare industry. Should a problem arise, you want someone to give you the best advice.

Don’t hesitate to ask about your doctor’s educational background or their most challenging diagnosis. Ask about any additional professional associations and awards.

Choosing the Best Family Doctor

When choosing the best family doctor, you should think about several things, including asking family and friends, considering your medical needs, and asking about insurance coverage. Experience counts, too, so make sure that’s a topic to discuss with your future physician.

Choosing the best family doctor is essential for your physical and mental health. It also could be a life or death decision.

If you found this article helpful, find more tips and advice on our website.

 

The mood swings that teenagers experience are the stuff of legend; as adults looking back, it’s hard to believe that you felt so strongly about such trivial issues. Your teenager’s body is surging with hormones which makes them experience intense emotions. Unfortunately, most parents’ attempts to deal with their teen’s mood swings results in arguments and accusations. Read on for your guide to traversing your teen’s mood swings.

Be Patient

When your teen starts to act up, it is easy to want to jump straight to disciplining them. However, you need to exercise some patience. Remember that it is normal for teenagers to act this way; thanks to the increase in hormones, they aren’t totally in control of themselves. Being patient is the key to parenting teenagers. They need the time to work out how to recognize and deal with their emotions.

Encourage Communication

Instead of letting your teens deal with these feelings alone, you should be encouraging them to talk to you. Talk with your teen, help them to identify their feelings. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that they can talk about them with you. By talking to them about their feelings, you can help them to get to the bottom of why they are feeling this way.

Teach Them to Cope

Everyone has to learn how to cope with their emotions. It begins as children and continues long into adulthood. Over time the triggers for these emotions become more obvious, and you can come up with ways to control them. Your teen is still learning. Show them the methods that you use to cope, or teach them new ways. For example, encourage them to try meditative techniques that they can rely on the help them calm down whenever they need to.

Consider Their Lifestyle

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to improve almost every aspect of your teen’s health, both physically and mentally. For example, eating bad foods can be detrimental to your teen’s mental health, making them feel more sluggish and prone to bad moods. Encourage them to eat more healthily instead. Make sure that they are getting more exercise too, the endorphins encourage a better mood and make their moods more stable overall.

Use Distractions

Often bad moods are made worse when you dwell on them. The best thing that you can do for your teen is to try and distract them from their bad moods. Do they have any interests that you can encourage them into further? Or any hobbies that you can take more of an interest in with them? A hobby can be used as a distraction and as a coping mechanism, and it may be something that your teen takes an interest in for the rest of their life.

In The End

Sometimes the best thing that you can do for your teen is to simply give them some space. Don’t crowd them, and don’t force the issue. Instead, allow them to come to you in their own time and offer the solutions then. Let them know that you are there for them, and they will come round.

 

Knowing how to avail the most benefits out of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) involves maximising the amount of time your child can spend in care. However, working out the cost of child care can be very tricky. Understanding the system and accessing your privileges shouldn’t make you feel like you need an accounting course. For this reason, we urge you to use a CCS calculator to calculate your CCS percentage and manage your finances better.

This article is a one-stop guide for calculating your CCS percentage. Read on to learn more!

What Is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

Before diving into CCS percentage calculation, let us briefly tell you what CCS actually is.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a form of financial help that covers the cost of child care. How much subsidy you receive depends on several factors, including your child’s age, family’s income, and paid and unpaid work (job + volunteering) your family partakes in. Your CCS percentage is calculated based on these factors.

So does CCS work? CCS is paid by the government directly to child care service providers to reduce the fees you pay to them for their child care services. If your child is enrolled at a child care centre and you apply for the subsidy, the government will pay the centre to reduce the cost you pay them.

Who Is Eligible for CCS?

Not everyone is eligible for Child Care Subsidy. You need to meet some requirements before you apply. You might be eligible if you or your partner satisfy the following requirements:

• Care for a child 13 or younger at least two nights per fortnight
• Meet the residency regulations
• Meet the immunisation requirements
• Are responsible for child care fees at an approved child care centre
• Be responsible for paying the child care fees to the educators

What Determines Level of Subsidy Received?

Three things will determine your level of subsidy:

• Combined family income
• Type of approved child care/Child care provider’s hourly rate
• The activity level of your family members, such as work or volunteering

Some families can get extra support called Additional Child Care Subsidy. This is paid on top of CCS to help with child care fees. There are three different types of Additional CCS that you can apply for. You need to be:

• A grandparent/great-grandparent,
• Changing jobs/work or,
• Experiencing financial hardship.

How Is CCS Calculated?

CCS is usually calculated with the help of a CCS calculator. This tool can help you calculate the cost of child care and help you determine your government child care allowance when using Family Day Care, Centre Based Day Care, or Outside School Hours Care.

To calculate CCS, you need to answer a few questions such as:

• How old is your child?
• Is your child attending school?
• What type of care does your child attend or will be attending? (Child Care Centres, Family Day Care, Outside School Hours Care, etc.)
• How many days per week will your child attend care?
• How many hours per day will your child attend care?
• What is the daily fee you are currently paying or will be paying for care?
• Where does your family live? (Postcode or suburb)
• What is your family structure like? (Sole parent/Guardian or Couple)
• How many hours of work or other acceptable activity does the parent who does least each fortnight undertake?
• What is your approximate combined family income?

Once you answer all the questions mentioned above and hit the “Calculate” button, the CCS tool will show you your results in the form of total fees and current subsidy (estimated subsidy + out-of-pocket costs). You can choose to see a weekly or a fortnightly estimate to manage your finances better.

Calculate Your CCS Percentage Today!

If you are struggling with paying for child care, there’s no need why you shouldn’t apply for CCS. Check your eligibility for subsidy today and use a CCS calculator to calculate your CCS percentage.