We didn't need childcare, but we still paid $7,500 to send our toddler to a program for 4 hours a week. It helped her build independence.

The author's child attended school for four hours a day.

Courtesy of Michael Matassa

• My husband and I didn't need childcare, but we still paid $7,500 to send our 2-year-old to "school."
• The part-time program alleviated my worries about trying to navigate separation for my attached toddler.
• In the end, it was expensive and emotionally taxing, but worth it.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I frankly didn't put much thought into long-term childcare plans.