Is ChildCare beneficial?

This is a very loaded topic, but one that's been asked about enough for me to brave the minefield of opinions and try to answer as diplomatically as possible.

Because this is actually a very ambiguous question. It depends on the family, the parent, the child and the center providing the care!

Now before anyone jumps up and down about socialization of children I will state this: Not attending child care does NOT equal an unsocialized child. Unless the parents are hermits the child will be interacting with other people all the time and as for "interacting with other children" well.. other children are NOT who you want as a role model for your child. They will probably teach them naughty things and bad habits. No sir- socialization is a poor argument and shall be here on known as a "MYTH"

So some actual benefits of child care:

• children get the chance to try some new things
• are less likely to be developmentally delayed without it being noticed
• if children must be cared for by someone other than their parents they are safest in a center where everyone is qualified to care for children and have current police checks to minimize the chances of a child being abused.
• parents may be getting a much needed break
• child will learn some things that will give them a notable advantage when they reach Kindergarten and Primary School (not that their parents couldn't teach them)

Some actual cons of child care:

• for the first 6-12 months you child will be sick- a lot. (eventually they build up more immunities.)
• it is scientifically proven at a hormonal level that children in care produce a great deal more cortisol (stress hormone) than children who are left with their mothers. too much cortisol results in an inability to learn and can lead to depression and health problems.
• it is costly both in time and money
• often long day care is "too long" and children become unhappy because they will be at child care for many hours.
• cannot replace quality time with parents and special moments missed because they happened at child care.
• parents may feel guilty about sending them to child care or feel judged for doing/not doing so.

So what can you do if you do not wish to send your child to child care but are worried about their development and wondering how to nurture them so that they flourish rather than flounder when they get to school?

Well.. it requires truly being involved. Parenting is a hands on job.

• Take your child for developmental checks every six months or so.
• make sure you plan new experiences and activities for your children at least one per week
• be sure to have a craft station were children can get creative
• be selective about toys- make sure you have some learning toys, some nurturing toys and some toys that provoke imaginative play!
• TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!!!! I cannot stress this one point enough. Aim for 5 turns without leading the conversation. ask open ended questions and show genuine interest in the child's point of view. Television does not teach your child to talk.
• set up a play space that encourages many different ways to play and that encourages movement.
• read at least four books per day.
• sing songs and be silly!
• limit screen time so that children are able to use their bodies and their imaginations.
• Attend a play group once in a while or have a play date. Kinder gym is also a great activity for under fives that is usually pretty cheap. But a trip to the park will do the same thing!

If you do not wish to "do all that" (and it isn't for everyone) Then child care once or twice a week could be a good option for helping your little one along developmentally. It is also a good option if things are unstable at home or a child is at risk. Or even if they simply have an inattentive parent who sits on the couch all day on social media instead of interacting with them. (the odd glance is okay but I personally know some parents who never get off and just stick a bottle or a snack in their child's mouth to quiet them)

The last thing I will say is this: it is NOT hard to educate your child in the early years but it does require the ability to be consistent in offering new experiences, spontaneous play and positive attitudes towards everything from eating and toileting to discipline.

Children are in general happiest with their parents. In a perfect world child care would not exist. However the world isn't a perfect place and some children are actually better off/safest in care. It isn't for anyone to judge. Everyone has to weigh the pros and cons for themselves. Child care is not necessary for your child to succeed but can be useful if extra help or a safe and stimulating environment is needed.