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In all honesty, there’s a lot of pressure out there, especially on moms, to believe that kids under preschool age shouldn’t be in daycare. It’s really hard, because you need to be a businesswoman (but also a good mom), you need to support the family and pay the bills. Nowadays, one person in the family just can’t do it, it requires both. So, that alone makes the expectation extremely flawed.
But here’s the thing—parents need to work, and daycare isn’t just a necessity; it’s actually a huge benefit for kids. Yet, somehow, there’s this lingering guilt that parents experience, even when they know they’re doing the best they can. So, with all of that said, let’s go ahead and unpack why you should never feel guilty for sending your child to daycare.
It’s Good for Their Social Development
One of the most obvious benefits of daycare is that it helps kids develop social skills early on. Now, kids in daycare are surrounded by other children their age, giving them the opportunity to learn how to share, take turns, and play together. It’s like social boot camp! So, by the time they hit preschool or kindergarten, they’re often more comfortable with peers, less anxious about group settings, and better at navigating friendships.
Easier to Listen to Authority
While yes, kids know their parents and even their older siblings have some authority, they’ll still assume that no one else does (like a teacher), and that’s totally incorrect. But daycare also helps kids develop a sense of how to follow the rules and listen to authority figures outside of their family.
For example, it could be something like their daycare teacher asking them to put away toys or line up for lunch; kids learn to follow instructions from adults other than their parents, which is a skill they’ll carry with them through school and beyond.
It Eases Attachment Anxiety
So, here’s another thing: a big concern parents have is whether being in daycare might make their child feel abandoned or overly anxious about being away from home. But here’s the truth: daycare can actually help reduce attachment anxiety. Sure, in the first few months, when you put your kid into a daycare centre, they’re going to be upset.
That’s totally natural, but they need to get use to this because they’ll be away from their parents once school hits. They need to learn that even when Mom or Dad isn’t around, they’re still safe, cared for, and can have fun.
They Learn Independence Early
It’s hard to let go sometimes, but letting your child experience a bit of independence in a safe, nurturing environment is one of the best things you can do for them. The early they start, the better it’s going to be on the both of you. So, in daycare, children are encouraged to do things like pick up after themselves, wash their hands, and make decisions about what activities they want to participate in.
These little moments of independence build confidence and self-esteem (and it’s going to be a lot easier for you when school starts).
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.