November 2, 2025 — A CBS Sunday Morning segment by Tracy Smith explored how the high cost of child care is reshaping family life and the American workforce.
The story followed Yeni and Dele Abraham, parents of two young children in Texas, who pay about $100 more for child care than their mortgage. With long waitlists and few affordable options, the Abrahams said they sometimes have no choice but to bring their baby to work. Nationwide, care for two children now costs more than rent, mortgage payments, or in-state college tuition — pushing families into debt and forcing many mothers to scale back or leave work entirely.
Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Moms First, said the issue extends far beyond individual families. “When you look at a family’s budget,” she noted, “the most expensive line item is child care.” Saujani added that shortages of workers and low pay for caregivers have deepened the crisis.
The segment also highlighted New Mexico’s universal child-care program, the first in the nation to offer free care for all families, as a model for potential state and federal action.
Watch Here: CBS Sunday Morning: “Dealing with the Crushing Costs of Child Care”