Struggling to balance work and childcare in Luxembourg? Then we want your testimonies to hear how families are coping – and where the system might be falling short.

Let's face it, the Luxembourg social system is very generous with parents, offering substantial parental leave, various child benefits, and a school and after-school care system that is the envy of many countries. Despite all these advantages, one question can quickly become a nightmare for parents: how do you reconcile work and childcare?

Very early on, even in early childhood, stress can mount when it comes to finding a daycare, a nursery, or just a minder to whom you can entrust your child. This steadily continues as children grow up and the needs expand to sporting or cultural activities.

Not to mention the daily hassles and unforeseen events that call for emergency childcare, medical appointments, overtime at work, you name it.

But, of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a job with flexible hours. Nor do they have parents or relatives who can lend a helping hand by looking after their children. This is the case, for example, for many expats, single-parent families, residents or cross-border commuters with complicated working hours, those on modest incomes, or those with health problems.

And don't forget the couples in which only one partner covers all child-caring duties on a day-to-day basis.

As a result, some parents may be forced to put their private or professional lives on hold. Children also tend to affect the careers of women more significantly, with mothers more often opting for part-time work.

Worst case, parents have to make do with what's available; television and other screens become digital nannies, with children left to such devices when they're not at school.

Call for testimonies

This is precisely where you come in, dear readers: do you work in Luxembourg, as a resident or cross-border commuter, and are you having problems looking after your children? Then let us know, because your family matters to us!

Here are some quick examples of what we have in mind:

  • Are you spending a fortune on childcare?
  • Are you thinking of changing your life to take better care of your children?
  • Does your spouse not contribute enough to childcare?
  • Is your boss or your job making life difficult for you?
  • Do you wish to draw attention to an injustice linked to childcare in Luxembourg?

Tell us your story by using the form below or by email (contenttoday@rtl.lu). We look forward to hearing from you!