During pregnancy, many individuals feel compelled to ask intrusive questions. When I was expecting my first child, I quickly became accustomed to responding on autopilot by the time I reached my second trimester. “Due June 7th,” I would reply with a smile. “My partner is thrilled it’s a girl. Thank you for your concern,” I’d mumble, rolling my eyes internally. “No, I’m quite sure it’s not twins,” I’d grunt, envisioning the full extent of my pregnant-lady frustration.
At some point, the conversation shifted from pregnancy to our plans for childcare. My partner and I had long decided that enrolling our children in daycare was the best path for us. I’m not sure how we reached that conclusion, but the idea of hiring a nanny never seriously crossed our minds. We proactively toured a couple of reputable daycare centers in our area and placed our names on their waiting lists. However, it seems that in some circles, sending children to daycare is viewed as nearly equivalent to leaving them alone in a crib with a water bottle and a bag of snacks. Daycare often carries a stigma.
Now, three years and two kids later, I have no regrets about our decision to enroll them in group childcare; in fact, I couldn’t be happier. While I recognize that many wonderful nannies exist, and they serve as a great option for dual-income households, I’m here to advocate for daycare and highlight its merits. Here are six reasons daycare was the ideal choice for my family:
1. Avoiding Employee Complications
Bringing children into a family is inherently complex and demands significant paperwork. The relief of not having to manage payroll is a considerable advantage. While some parents opt to pay nannies in cash, that approach does not resonate with me. If I were to hire someone, I would want to provide benefits and handle taxes—tasks I find daunting. My professional experiences have taught me that not every employee excels; some struggle with punctuality or competence. Leaving my children with an unsupervised stranger, especially when they were just three months old and unable to voice their needs, heightened my anxieties as a new parent.
2. Expertise of Daycare Teachers
It’s enlightening to discover that many individuals who choose to care for children professionally are remarkable individuals. They certainly aren’t doing it for the financial rewards, as daycare fees are steep yet teachers remain undercompensated. While this holds true for many professional nannies, I want to clarify my stance to the naysayers who assume all working mothers feel guilty about not staying home. Personally, I enjoy my career and find comfort knowing my children are in capable hands. The educators at our daycare have consistently shown kindness and attentiveness to my children and possess the expertise to foster their development—helping my daughter learn to nap independently, dress herself, and drink from a cup.
3. Maintaining Household Order
I am not the type of parent who thrives on crafting and making a mess with my kids. I admire those who can maintain their sanity while their little ones create chaos with paint, chalk, or glitter. My toddler and I enjoy cooking together, and my partner takes them to music classes, but we generally avoid art projects. Daycare provides a solution, as the teachers facilitate creative activities and handle the cleanup after messy endeavors. With their array of toys and play structures, my children gain diverse play experiences while my living space remains relatively organized.
4. Exposure to Common Illnesses
A frequent concern from well-meaning individuals regarding group childcare is the likelihood of children frequently falling ill. Admittedly, my children faced their share of colds and rashes during their first year in daycare. However, keeping them home until preschool will not prevent them from encountering those same viruses later. In reality, there’s no escaping the inevitable exposure to germs during early childhood. It’s wiser to navigate those challenges during the initial years when expectations are lower for new parents returning to work.
5. Peer Environment
All the children my kids interact with come from households where both parents work. From an early age, they have seen that after dropping them off at daycare, Mom and Dad head to their jobs. There’s no confusion about the necessity of working, unlike children who attend playgroups with nannies where both parents may be present. I anticipate that at some point, my kids will inquire about why we work, but given their normalization of this dynamic, that moment will likely come later.
6. No Judgments
If you’ve found a childcare arrangement that works for your family, I commend you—navigating this terrain is challenging for everyone. We’ve all had those relatable experiences that feel cliché, like wanting to escape to the circus when a toddler spills milk for the third time or soothing a baby back to sleep only for a doorbell to disrupt their slumber. Conversely, we’ve all stood watch over our sleeping children, overwhelmed by how quickly they grow. So, no, I won’t judge you for your choices; if you love and support your children, your approach is valid. Daycare is not merely a last resort; it’s a viable option for many families. For mine, it will always hold a special place in our hearts as the nurturing environment that cared for our children while we were at work.
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In conclusion, daycare can serve as an empowering choice for childcare rather than a fallback option, enriching both family life and early childhood development.
Keyphrase: Daycare as a Preferred Childcare Option
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