My four-year-old son has been attending daycare since he was just six weeks old. As a single mother juggling a full-time job, daycare has been essential for us. However, I want to clarify that even if I were exceptionally wealthy with a full-time housekeeper, a personal chef, and the luxury of lounging around all day, I would still choose to send my son to daycare.
In summary, I believe his early childhood experience is significantly enriched by attending daycare.
Caregivers Who Make a Difference
Let me share a bit about the caregivers in his life. For his first year, he was in a home daycare with four or five other children. The caregiver, named Sarah, was wonderful. Each time I dropped him off or picked him up, we would engage in friendly conversation. I knew her family and the other children’s families well enough for casual exchanges during drop-offs.
We would likely still be with her if we hadn’t relocated just before my son turned one. We’re still connected on social media, so she can keep up with his growth through photos. She genuinely cared for my son and provided a safe and nurturing environment. Having previously worked as a pediatric nurse, I felt reassured knowing he was in capable hands.
For the next three years, he spent time in a home daycare three days a week and attended a daycare center two days a week. While I adored Sarah, my son was too young to have a strong opinion about her. Now, he absolutely loves his current caregiver, Mia. He often talks about her at home, eagerly wanting to show her new toys, and he runs excitedly to her door each day when I drop him off.
His best friend is another boy who stays with her, and while the daycare center is larger, with multiple teachers and kids, he’s grown to enjoy it there as well. Initially shy, he now shares the names of his classmates and is constantly buzzing with stories he can’t wait to tell his teachers.
Transitioning to Preschool
Having moved once more (hopefully for the last time!), he is now enrolled in preschool five days a week, where he will remain until he starts kindergarten. After a brief adjustment period, he settled in quickly and hasn’t looked back.
His happiness translates to my happiness as well, but there’s more to it. Before our last move, the daycare center sent me a hilarious picture of my son covered in flour while engaging in a creative activity. I chuckled and thought, “There’s no way I would let that happen at home!” I think we can all agree that a giant bin of flour isn’t something I’m willing to manage in my kitchen!
Over the past year, he made homemade jam from fresh strawberries, painted with his fingers, visited a Christmas tree farm, and participated in countless experiences that would not have been possible without daycare. At his new preschool, he is learning Spanish and sign language, enjoying outdoor play daily, and engaging in educational activities while socializing with friends. He often comes home singing nursery rhymes that I never introduced to him. He is developing important social skills—learning to share, interact with peers and adults, and navigate situations when conflicts arise.
Acknowledging Different Parenting Styles
I recognize that many stay-at-home parents (SAHPs) create enriching experiences for their children. A friend recently shared a delightful video of her son experimenting with water at the kitchen sink, learning about cause and effect while having a blast. It was heartwarming and a reminder that learning can happen anywhere.
This isn’t a critique of SAHPs; rather, it’s an acknowledgment that I may not be suited for that role. I adore my son more than anything, but I have my limitations. I can be impatient, easily overwhelmed by noise, introverted, and a bit of a television addict. These traits don’t undermine my abilities as a mother, but they do influence how I engage in parenting.
Some might think, “You should have considered these factors before becoming a parent.” But that’s an unfair notion. Parenthood shouldn’t be restricted to idealized versions of nurturing. My son and I share many joyful moments together—baking cookies, attending theater shows, enjoying library playdates, playing games, and snuggling for Saturday morning cartoons. Although he has toys and books to entertain himself, I know that I can’t provide the level of engagement he thrives on alone. That’s why I invest in quality childcare.
Managing Risks and Recognizing Privilege
Are there risks associated with sending a child to daycare for over eight hours a day? Certainly. However, life is inherently full of risks. Statistically, driving with a child is one of the most dangerous activities we engage in, yet we all do it regularly. We must recognize that we can’t eliminate risk entirely; we can only manage it. We use car seats, ensure our kids wear helmets, and select licensed daycare centers that perform background checks. For me, the minimal risk of something happening at preschool is outweighed by the abundant benefits my son experiences.
I acknowledge that I am privileged to afford high-quality childcare, which is not a reality for many families. Perhaps the real issue we should focus on is the lack of accessible and affordable daycare options that provide both safety and enriching experiences for children before they enter school.
For more insights on parenting, check out this article from our other blog post.
Conclusion
In conclusion, daycare has enriched my son’s life in ways I could not replicate. He is developing skills, forming friendships, and enjoying experiences that foster his growth and happiness.
Summary: I send my son to daycare not just because I work full-time as a single mom but because it offers him invaluable experiences, socialization, and learning opportunities that go beyond what I can provide at home. While I cherish our moments together, I recognize that quality childcare enhances his childhood significantly.