THE spiralling cost of childcare has forced an Enniskillen mother to put a career she loved on hold.

Janice Moohan, from Woaghternerry, previously worked in sales, and loved being out and about, talking to people, and catering to her dedicated customer base.

However, five years ago she was forced to give up her profession as it became apparent that her entire income was being eaten up by childcare costs.

So while husband Barry works, Mrs. Moohan stays at home to look after the kids; James, 8, Charlie, 6, and Eva, 4. Their eldest daughter, Olivia, 12, is at secondary school.

"I am a mother of four and I had to give up full-time work after my second child, and went to part-time," she said. "Then when I had my third, I had to give up work altogether as putting them all into some sort of childcare was costing too much.

"I worked in sales, and my wage wasn't covering the childcare, and we never got any help with that because I only worked certain hours. It made sense, as my wage was just about paying childcare for two children.

"In some ways it was difficult. I enjoyed being out and talking to people in my day-to-day job. That was five years ago, and these days I feel like I'm stuck at home a lot more.

"However, paying for childcare simply isn't viable. When you are only earning a few pounds above what the childcare is costing you, you have to make a hard decision."

Janice added: "We are lucky that we can survive on one wage, as a lot of families can't. But we are always mindful of prices going up, and the cost of living crisis is a constant worry."

She said that as children get 'that bit older', she is actively seeking out affordable childcare options that would allow her to return to the line of work she loves.

However, even with the cost of even moderately priced options, she is continually drawing a blank.

"Even as the years go on, the cost of childcare for the kids, even when they are at primary school, is still a major consideration," she explained. "I have been pricing after school clubs, which cost £5.50 per hour, per child. I would have three to put into that.  Again, you are wondering, is it really worth it?

"Unfortunately, no matter what way you look at it, you are just working to pay someone else to look after your children. What's the point in paying when you can do it for free at home?"

She concluded: "I know a lot of parents in our school that are similar to us, with only one parent working because of the cost of childcare. Families with three or four kids have major difficulty trying to put them all into some form of childcare. It just isn't cost effective."