Daycare Cost in New Jersey 2026: 24 Areas Compared, and What Moves the Price
What daycare actually costs across 24 areas of New Jersey, from the most expensive metros to the cheapest, plus infant against toddler pricing, the subsidies you may qualify for, and the factors that move a quote by hundreds a month.
Quick answer: Childcare in New Jersey costs about $1,200 to $2,400 per month for infant daycare, with North Jersey highest ($1,600 to $2,400) and South Jersey lowest ($1,200 to $1,700). Toddler care runs $1,000 to $2,100 and preschool $900 to $1,800. New Jersey ranks among the top 5 most expensive states.
New Jersey ranks among the top 5 most expensive states for childcare in the nation, driven by high cost of living, strict licensing requirements, and proximity to New York City. From the affluent towns of Bergen County to the more affordable communities in South Jersey, costs vary significantly across the Garden State. This guide breaks down what families actually pay across all regions of New Jersey.
Average Child Care Costs in New Jersey
Quick Overview
| Care Type | North Jersey | Central Jersey | South Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,400 | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,700 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$2,100 | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,000-$1,500 |
| Preschool | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,050-$1,600 | $900-$1,350 |
| Nanny | $3,500-$5,000 | $3,200-$4,500 | $2,800-$3,800 |
| Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,500 | $850-$1,250 |
New Jersey families spend an average of 16-18% of household income on childcare, well above the federal affordability threshold of 7%.
Cost Comparison to National Average
| Care Type | NJ Average | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,800/month | $1,350/month | 33% above |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,550/month | $1,200/month | 29% above |
| Preschool | $1,350/month | $1,100/month | 23% above |
Only Massachusetts, California, and the District of Columbia consistently exceed New Jersey's childcare costs.
Why NJ Childcare Is So Expensive
Several factors drive New Jersey's high childcare costs:
- Strict licensing requirements: NJ mandates low child-to-staff ratios (4:1 for infants)
- High real estate costs: Commercial space is expensive, especially in North Jersey
- NYC proximity: Competition for workers drives wages up
- High cost of living: General expenses are higher than national average
- Insurance costs: Liability insurance is expensive in NJ
Getting ready for daycare?
Our most-used gear guides cover the three things nearly every center asks families to bring on day one.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Financial Planning Products
- Clever Fox Budget Planner - Undated monthly budget book to map childcare costs against take-home pay
- Five Star Spiral Notebook - Durable notebook for tracking tour notes, waitlists, and provider quotes
- Mabel's Labels Baby Daycare Pack - Waterproof name labels so bottles, cups, and clothes come home with your child
Planning your childcare budget? The Working Parent Planning Kit bundles 23 tools for $29: live-formula budget spreadsheets, all-50-states cost lookup, the dependent care FSA and tax credit calculator, subsidy navigator, and daycare negotiation scripts. Instant download, 30-day money-back guarantee.
North Jersey Costs
Bergen County
Bergen County is the most expensive county in New Jersey for childcare, with some of the highest costs outside of Manhattan.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,800-$2,600 | $21,600-$31,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,600-$2,300 | $19,200-$27,600 |
| Preschool | $1,400-$2,000 | $16,800-$24,000 |
| Nanny | $4,000-$5,500 | $48,000-$66,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 |
By town:
| Town | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgewood | $2,000-$2,700 | $1,800-$2,400 | Highest costs, limited spots |
| Tenafly | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,700-$2,300 | Very competitive |
| Glen Rock | $1,850-$2,500 | $1,650-$2,250 | Family-oriented |
| Ho-Ho-Kus | $1,900-$2,600 | $1,700-$2,300 | Small town, few options |
| Paramus | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,500-$2,100 | More options, chains |
| Hackensack | $1,500-$2,100 | $1,300-$1,900 | Most affordable in county |
| Fort Lee | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$2,000 | NYC commuter hub |
| Englewood | $1,550-$2,150 | $1,350-$1,950 | Mixed pricing |
Bergen County tips:
- Waitlists at top centers can be 12-18 months
- Many families use home daycares to save costs
- Nanny shares are popular in Ridgewood and surrounding towns
- Some parents commute to Rockland County, NY for lower costs
Essex County
Essex County offers a wide range of costs, from expensive suburban enclaves to more affordable urban areas.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,300 | $19,200-$27,600 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$2,000 | $16,800-$24,000 |
| Preschool | $1,200-$1,800 | $14,400-$21,600 |
| Nanny | $3,600-$5,000 | $43,200-$60,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
By town:
| Town | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Hills | $2,000-$2,600 | $1,800-$2,400 | Premium market |
| Millburn | $1,950-$2,550 | $1,750-$2,350 | Great schools |
| Montclair | $1,700-$2,300 | $1,500-$2,100 | Arts community, diverse options |
| Maplewood | $1,650-$2,250 | $1,450-$2,050 | Family-friendly |
| South Orange | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$2,000 | Near Seton Hall |
| West Orange | $1,400-$1,900 | $1,200-$1,700 | More affordable |
| Newark | $1,100-$1,600 | $950-$1,400 | Abbott Pre-K available |
Montclair specifics:
- Known for progressive, arts-focused programs
- Many Waldorf and Montessori options
- Cooperative preschools offer savings
- Active parent community for nanny shares
Morris County
Morris County offers suburban living with slightly lower costs than Bergen and Essex.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,600-$2,200 | $19,200-$26,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 |
| Preschool | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
| Nanny | $3,400-$4,600 | $40,800-$55,200 |
| Home Daycare | $1,150-$1,600 | $13,800-$19,200 |
Key towns: Morristown, Madison, Chatham, Mendham, Chester, Bernardsville (Somerset border)
Morris County tip: Morristown has the most options and some of the best values in the county.
Hudson County
Urban market with wide price range, popular with NYC commuters.
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,200 | $18,000-$26,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,900 | $15,600-$22,800 |
| Preschool | $1,100-$1,700 | $13,200-$20,400 |
| Nanny | $3,200-$4,500 | $38,400-$54,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,100-$1,600 | $13,200-$19,200 |
By city:
| City | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken | $1,700-$2,400 | $1,500-$2,100 | Young family destination |
| Jersey City (Downtown) | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$2,000 | Growing options |
| Jersey City (Heights) | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,100-$1,600 | More affordable |
| Weehawken | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,400-$2,000 | NYC views, premium |
| Union City | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,000-$1,500 | Budget-friendly |
| Bayonne | $1,250-$1,750 | $1,050-$1,550 | Growing market |
Hoboken/Jersey City specifics:
- High demand from young professionals starting families
- Many modern, boutique centers
- Waitlists common for popular programs
- Growing number of chain centers (Bright Horizons, Kindercare)
Passaic and Union Counties
| County | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic | $1,300-$1,900 | $1,100-$1,700 | Wide range by town |
| Union | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,200-$1,800 | Suburban options |
Central Jersey Costs
Middlesex County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,900 | $16,800-$22,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
| Preschool | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |
| Nanny | $3,100-$4,200 | $37,200-$50,400 |
| Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,450 | $12,000-$17,400 |
Key towns: Edison, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, South Brunswick, Princeton Junction
Middlesex County tip: Edison has one of the largest childcare markets in central NJ with good options at various price points.
Somerset County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,500-$2,100 | $18,000-$25,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,300-$1,850 | $15,600-$22,200 |
| Preschool | $1,150-$1,650 | $13,800-$19,800 |
| Nanny | $3,300-$4,500 | $39,600-$54,000 |
| Home Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 |
Key towns: Bridgewater, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Hillsborough, Franklin Township
Somerset specifics:
- Basking Ridge has premium corporate options (many pharma company families)
- Bridgewater offers good value with many chain centers
- Hillsborough is one of the more affordable towns
Mercer County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,400-$1,950 | $16,800-$23,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
| Preschool | $1,050-$1,550 | $12,600-$18,600 |
| Nanny | $3,100-$4,300 | $37,200-$51,600 |
| Home Daycare | $1,000-$1,450 | $12,000-$17,400 |
By area:
| Area | Infant Daycare | Toddler Daycare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | $1,700-$2,200 | $1,500-$1,950 | University town premium |
| West Windsor | $1,500-$2,000 | $1,300-$1,800 | High demand |
| Pennington | $1,450-$1,950 | $1,250-$1,750 | Smaller market |
| Hamilton | $1,250-$1,700 | $1,050-$1,500 | More affordable |
| Trenton | $1,000-$1,400 | $850-$1,200 | Abbott Pre-K available |
South Jersey Costs
Camden County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,650 | $14,400-$19,800 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,050-$1,450 | $12,600-$17,400 |
| Preschool | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 |
| Nanny | $2,800-$3,700 | $33,600-$44,400 |
| Home Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
Key towns: Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Voorhees, Collingswood, Haddon Township
Camden County specifics:
- Cherry Hill offers the best combination of quality and value in South Jersey
- Haddonfield is more expensive but has excellent programs
- Camden city has free Abbott Pre-K for all 3 and 4-year-olds
Burlington County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,200-$1,700 | $14,400-$20,400 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,050-$1,500 | $12,600-$18,000 |
| Preschool | $950-$1,350 | $11,400-$16,200 |
| Nanny | $2,700-$3,600 | $32,400-$43,200 |
| Home Daycare | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
Key towns: Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Marlton, Medford, Burlington Township
Gloucester County
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,550 | $13,200-$18,600 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,400 | $11,400-$16,800 |
| Preschool | $850-$1,250 | $10,200-$15,000 |
| Home Daycare | $750-$1,100 | $9,000-$13,200 |
Key towns: Washington Township, Deptford, Glassboro, Mullica Hill
Ocean County (Shore)
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,150-$1,600 | $13,800-$19,200 |
| Toddler Daycare | $1,000-$1,400 | $12,000-$16,800 |
| Preschool | $900-$1,300 | $10,800-$15,600 |
| Nanny | $2,600-$3,500 | $31,200-$42,000 |
| Home Daycare | $800-$1,150 | $9,600-$13,800 |
Key towns: Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Lakewood, Point Pleasant
Atlantic County (Shore)
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Daycare | $1,100-$1,500 | $13,200-$18,000 |
| Toddler Daycare | $950-$1,350 | $11,400-$16,200 |
| Preschool | $850-$1,200 | $10,200-$14,400 |
Key areas: Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Margate, Ventnor
New Jersey Child Care Assistance
NJ Child Care Subsidy Program
Who qualifies:
- Working families at or below 200% federal poverty level
- Parents in approved education or training
- Parents seeking employment (limited time)
Income limits (2024):
- Family of 2: $39,440/year
- Family of 3: $49,720/year
- Family of 4: $60,000/year
- Family of 5: $70,280/year
What's covered:
- Licensed child care centers
- Registered family child care
- Before/after school programs
Copay structure:
- Based on income and family size
- Ranges from $0 to $190/week
How to apply:
- Contact your county board of social services
- Call 1-800-332-9227
- Apply online at njchildcaresubsidy.org
NJ State Preschool Program (Abbott Districts)
One of the strongest free preschool programs in the country.
What it is: Free, full-day, full-year preschool for all 3 and 4-year-olds in 31 former Abbott districts.
Abbott districts include:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Trenton
- Camden
- Paterson
- Elizabeth
- Passaic
- East Orange
- New Brunswick
- Perth Amboy
- Asbury Park
- And 20 more urban districts
Program details:
- Universal access (no income requirement in these districts)
- Full-day (6+ hours)
- Full-year (approximately 245 days)
- High-quality curriculum
- Small class sizes
Cost: Completely free for all residents of eligible districts.
Expanding Pre-K Beyond Abbott Districts
NJ continues to expand state-funded Pre-K to additional districts.
How to check:
- Contact your local school district
- Visit nj.gov/education/ece/
- Call 609-376-3500
Currently expanding to: Over 200 additional districts have received expansion funding.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Who qualifies:
- Families at or below 100% federal poverty level
- Foster children
- Homeless families
- Children with disabilities
Cost: Free.
Ways to Save on Childcare in NJ
1. Check for Abbott/State Pre-K
If you're in an eligible district, Pre-K is free for 3 and 4-year-olds. This saves $15,000-25,000 over two years.
2. Dependent Care FSA
NJ Advantage: NJ has a graduated income tax (1.4-10.75%), so higher earners save more on state taxes.
Savings on $5,000 contributed:
| Income Level | Federal Savings | NJ State Savings | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,100 | $277 | $1,377 |
| $100,000 | $1,200 | $319 | $1,519 |
| $150,000+ | $1,600 | $538 | $2,138 |
3. NJ Earned Income Tax Credit
NJ provides 40% of federal EITC for qualifying families (one of the highest state rates).
Example: If you receive $3,000 federal EITC, NJ adds $1,200.
4. South Jersey Options
| Location | Infant Cost | vs. Bergen County |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgewood | $2,300 | baseline |
| Cherry Hill | $1,400 | -$900/month |
| Toms River | $1,350 | -$950/month |
| Gloucester Co. | $1,250 | -$1,050/month |
Annual savings: $10,800-12,600 by choosing South Jersey.
5. Licensed Home Daycare
Family child care costs 25-35% less than centers in NJ.
Finding registered providers:
- NJ Child Care Resource and Referral: childcarenj.gov
- Check registration status online
- Visit before enrolling
6. Cross-Border Options
Some NJ families consider:
- Pennsylvania (Bucks County): 15-25% lower than comparable NJ areas
- Delaware: No sales tax, lower costs
- Staten Island, NY: Sometimes comparable, different programs
Finding Childcare in New Jersey
Grow NJ Kids Quality Rating
NJ's quality rating system helps identify high-quality programs.
Rating levels:
- Participating: Enrolled in quality improvement
- 1 Star: Meeting quality standards
- 2 Stars: Exceeding standards
- 3 Stars: High quality
Check ratings at: childcarenj.gov
Licensing Requirements
NJ has some of the strictest childcare licensing in the country:
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Maximum Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18-30 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (2.5-4 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| Pre-K (4-5 years) | 1:12 | 24 |
These low ratios contribute to higher costs but also higher quality.
FAQ
Q: Why is New Jersey childcare so expensive?
A: High cost of living, strict licensing requirements (some of the lowest child-to-staff ratios in the nation), expensive real estate, proximity to NYC, and high insurance costs all drive prices up. NJ's quality standards are among the highest in the country.
Q: What's the cheapest area in NJ for childcare?
A: South Jersey (Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland counties) has the lowest costs—30-40% less than North Jersey. Ocean and Burlington counties offer moderate prices with shore access.
Q: Does NJ have free Pre-K?
A: Yes—in 31 Abbott districts (Newark, Jersey City, Camden, etc.) and expanding to other areas. All 3 and 4-year-olds in Abbott districts receive free, full-day preschool regardless of family income.
Q: Is it cheaper to live in NJ and commute to NYC or use NYC childcare?
A: NJ childcare is generally 20-40% cheaper than Manhattan but similar to outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn). When factoring in NJ commuter tax benefits and lower cost of living, many families find NJ childcare more affordable overall.
Q: How long are NJ daycare waitlists?
A: Bergen and Essex County popular centers: 12-18 months. Hoboken/Jersey City: 9-15 months. Central Jersey: 6-12 months. South Jersey: 1-6 months. Always start looking early.
Q: Can I get childcare assistance if I make over $60,000?
A: The subsidy program has income limits around $60,000 for a family of 4. However, you may still benefit from FSA savings, tax credits, and if your 3-4 year old is in an Abbott district, free Pre-K is available regardless of income.
Conclusion
New Jersey is one of the most expensive states for childcare, but the state's strong Abbott Pre-K program and expanding preschool initiatives provide relief for many families. South Jersey offers significant savings compared to North Jersey, and the state's quality standards mean you're generally getting high-quality care.
Key takeaways:
- North Jersey (Bergen, Essex) is most expensive; South Jersey offers 30-40% savings
- Abbott district Pre-K is free and excellent—a huge benefit if you qualify
- NJ's EITC at 40% of federal EITC is among the nation's highest
- Start waitlists very early, especially in North Jersey and Hudson County
- Quality ratings through Grow NJ Kids help identify good programs
More NJ childcare resources:
- How Much Does Child Care Cost? →
- Childcare Costs in New York →
- Childcare Costs in Pennsylvania →
- How to Afford Child Care →
- Best Nap Mat for Daycare →
- What to Pack for Daycare →
What every centre asks you to bring
Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.
Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap Mat
GOTS-certified with a removable, machine-washable cover, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.
Check price on Amazon
Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack
Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.
Check price on Amazon
Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box
Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.
Check price on Amazon
Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)
Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.
Check price on AmazonThe purchases that actually move the budget
Wipes and labels are noise. These four are where the money in the first two years genuinely goes, and each one is bought roughly once.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
Converts from rear-facing infant seat through to a booster, so it is bought once instead of three times. The single largest line on most first-year budgets.
Check price on Amazon
Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump
Hospital-grade and quiet enough to use at a desk. Worth pricing against formula before you assume it is an expense rather than a saving.
Check price on Amazon
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Monitor
A dedicated parent unit with no app and no account, so there is nothing to hack and nothing for a sitter to configure.
Check price on Amazon
Toddleroo 3-in-1 Metal Superyard
Turns any room into a safe space you can leave a toddler in, which is the difference between working from home and not.
Check price on AmazonFree Life Insurance Quote
Free Life Insurance Quote for Parents
Childcare is one of the biggest line items in a young family's budget. Life insurance is how many parents make sure that care, and the rest of daily life, can keep going for their kids no matter what. Enter your details to start a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does infant daycare cost in New Jersey?+
Infant daycare in New Jersey ranges from about $1,600 to $2,400 per month in North Jersey, $1,400 to $2,000 in Central Jersey, and $1,200 to $1,700 in South Jersey. The statewide average is roughly $1,800 per month, about 33 percent above the national average.
Is childcare cheaper in South Jersey than North Jersey?+
Yes. South Jersey infant daycare runs about $1,200 to $1,700 per month versus $1,600 to $2,400 in North Jersey. Proximity to New York City pushes North Jersey, especially Bergen County, to the top of the range.
What childcare assistance does New Jersey offer?+
New Jersey offers the New Jersey Child Care Subsidy program for income-eligible working families, free preschool in many districts through the Preschool Education Aid program, Head Start, and the federal Dependent Care FSA that shelters up to $5,000 per year pre-tax.
How much of their income do New Jersey families spend on childcare?+
New Jersey families spend an average of 16 to 18 percent of household income on childcare, well above the federal affordability threshold of 7 percent. Only Massachusetts, California, and DC consistently cost more.
What is the average cost of daycare in New Jersey per month?+
The average cost of daycare in New Jersey is about $1,800 per month for infants statewide. Toddler daycare runs $1,000 to $2,100 per month and preschool $900 to $1,800 per month, depending on region. Home daycare is the cheapest licensed option at roughly $850 to $1,700 per month.
Childcare Financial Planner
Budget worksheets, tax credit calculator, cost projections, and FSA guide.
Or get everything with the Ultimate Childcare Library ($79) — all 46 guides and toolkits included.
Written by
ChildCarePath Team
Our team is dedicated to helping families find quality child care options through well-researched guides and resources.
Related Guides
Daycare Cost by State 2026: Average Annual Infant Care Prices
Average annual cost of infant daycare by state for 2026, from $6,800 in Mississippi to over $28,000 in Washington, D.C. Compare all 50 states plus D.C. with published Child Care Aware and EPI data.
Childcare During Divorce: Navigating Custody, Costs & Transitions 2026
Managing childcare arrangements during and after divorce. Custody considerations, splitting costs, helping children adjust, and coordinating between two households.
Affordable Daycare Options: How to Find Childcare You Can Afford
The most affordable daycare options: family child care, nanny shares, co-ops, subsidies, free Pre-K, and Head Start. Every strategy to cut childcare costs in 2026.
Childcare for Military Families: Complete Guide to Benefits & Options 2026
Military childcare benefits, CDC waitlists, fee assistance, PCS moves, deployment care, and finding off-base options. Everything military families need to know.
Childcare for Twins & Multiples: The Complete Parent Guide for 2026
Finding and managing childcare for twins, triplets, and multiples. Cost strategies, same vs. separate classrooms, nanny vs. daycare decisions, and logistics for parents of multiples.
Childcare for Single Parents: The Complete Guide to Making It Work in 2026
Navigating childcare as a single parent: finding affordable options, building support networks, handling emergencies, financial assistance programs, and self-care strategies.