Writing task 2 band 8.0 - 8.5 : Families (By Thuy Phuong)

Nowadays, many families have both parents working. Some working parents believe other family members like grandparents can take care of their children, while others think childcare centres provide the best care. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about whether children should be sent to childcare organisations or taken care of by their close relatives when their parents go out to work. While I accept that the help of other family members is crucially important, I believe that it is better to find a childcare setting for children.

On the one hand, the option to rely on other family members for childcare is attractive for several reasons. The first reason is that since family caregivers often show a strong emotional attachment to children, parents can feel much less worried about the safety of their offspring and  continue with their work without distractions. Secondly, as family caregivers, grandparents, for example, may provide care at no cost or at a much more reasonable charge. In this way, parents can save money while family members may feel a great sense of fulfilment.

On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial if parents send their children to childcare centres. Firstly, the staff members of these places, compared to relatives, possess a richer source of experience in keeping children involved in a variety of activities to improve their  social skills. Therefore, childcare centres may provide a comprehensive babysitting environment that is both educational and nurturing. Additionally, as those employees are often professionally trained and meet the qualification standards required by childcare organisations, they are more likely to handle any unanticipated issues  which could potentially arise  more methodologically. For example, staff members can give children instructions properly in emergency situations such as fires and earthquakes.  

In conclusion, it seems to me that babysitting could be better done by childcare centres rather than close relatives. 

(277 words – Thuy Phuong)

Source: ielts-thuyphuong.com