The external care of even the smallest children seems to be the "normal". It is suggested to us as a necessary support for the child. But is this really the last resort? This book focuses on the experiences and observations of young mothers who look after their children themselves in the first few years. They follow their inner voice, fully aware of their task and financial sacrifice. Factual information between the biographical reports complement the complex subject of self-care.

Based on 21 biographical reports on the experiences and observations of young mothers in self-care, this book aims to encourage young mothers to listen to their own inner voice when they observe that their child is not yet ready for external care. The 21 biographical reports clearly show the individual motives and circumstances that led to the decision for self-care beyond the daycare center. The self-cared for children are between 1 and 5 years old. There are very different women who have their say here and who each describe their own paths that have led them to self-care. Some of these women have worked as kindergarten teachers themselves; so they know both sides. Between the individual experience reports, short factual texts by experts will provide the necessary insight into the complex topic of self-care in the current socio-political context. Interested readers can obtain additional information with references to further literature or websites.