When you’re expecting, it seems like everyone suddenly feels entitled to ask you all sorts of personal questions. During my first pregnancy, I quickly learned how to handle these inquiries by the third month of my second trimester. “June 7th,” I would respond with a smile. “My partner is thrilled it’s a girl. Thank you for your concern,” I would mumble, rolling my eyes internally. “No, I’m pretty sure it’s not twins,” I would growl, imagining my pregnant wrath unleashed on the next questioner.
Eventually, the conversation would shift from pregnancy to our plans for childcare. It was clear that daycare was our intended route; a nanny had never really been on our radar. We took the initiative to tour several top-rated centers and promptly added our names to the waiting lists. Little did we know that some people view daycare as almost synonymous with neglect. This perception that daycare is akin to leaving a child in a crib with nothing but a water bottle and a bag of chips is something I never understood.
Fast forward three years and two children later, and I can confidently say that I have no regrets about choosing group childcare. Sure, there are many wonderful nannies out there, and they are a great option for dual-income families, but I’m here to advocate for daycare and highlight the many benefits it offers. Here are six reasons daycare was the best choice for my family:
1. I Didn’t Want to Manage Employees
Adding children to a family is already a logistical challenge that comes with a mountain of paperwork. The last thing I wanted was to add payroll to the mix. While many people pay their nannies under the table, that’s not something I can comfortably do. If I were to hire someone, I would want to provide benefits and handle taxes, which feels overwhelming. Having interviewed and hired people in my career, I know that not every employee works out. Given that my kids needed care starting at three months old when they couldn’t communicate, the thought of leaving them with a stranger was terrifying.
2. Daycare Educators Are Professionals
Individuals who dedicate their careers to caring for children are, for the most part, extraordinary. They don’t do it for the money (and despite the high costs of daycare, teachers are often underpaid). While many nannies are equally dedicated, I want to clarify something for those who assume all working mothers feel guilty about not staying home. I love my kids and miss them while I work, but I also know they are in capable hands. The teachers at daycare have been nurturing, friendly, and remarkably skilled. They helped my daughter master napping in unusual places, taught her self-dressing, and provided tons of parenting tips. It’s as if they have a degree in early childhood education—imagine that!
3. Daycare Keeps My Home (Somewhat) Organized
I’m not the kind of mom who thrives on messy arts and crafts projects. If you can handle your child redecorating the house with paint, chalk, or glitter, I admire you! My husband and I engage with our kids in other ways, but I’m not cut out for art projects. Daycare allows my children to express their creativity without cluttering our home. The teachers manage the setup and cleanup for activities like finger painting and Play-Doh, which I truly appreciate. Plus, daycare provides large toys and play areas that I wouldn’t have space for at home. It’s the best of both worlds: my kids get diverse play experiences, my home stays somewhat tidy, and I avoid dealing with paint on the ceiling.
4. They Get All Those Germs Out of the Way
A common concern voiced by well-meaning individuals (and yes, even my own mom) about group childcare is that kids will get sick frequently. And yes, our first year in daycare was filled with runny noses and rashes. However, if you keep your child home until preschool, they will end up facing the same viruses when they start school. There’s no escaping the illness cycle in early childhood. If you’re a new parent returning to work, it’s somewhat expected that your baby will be sick, so you might as well embrace it.
5. All the Kids Have Working Parents
Every child my kids interact with comes from a household with two working parents. From a young age, they’ve learned that Mom and Dad go to work after dropping them off at daycare. There’s no confusion about why their parents can’t stay and play. This normalization will likely help when they start asking why we have to work. After all, my almost-three-year-old is already on a “why” and “what” kick, so if we can check one question off the list—bonus!
6. No Judgments Here!
If you’ve found a childcare solution that suits your family, I commend you! Parenting is challenging, regardless of your approach. We all have those universally relatable moments—like when your toddler spills milk for the third time or when you finally get the baby to sleep, only to be woken up by a doorbell. Yet, there are also those heartwarming moments when you watch your child sleep and reflect on how quickly they are growing.
So no, if you genuinely care for your children, I have no right to judge how you choose to raise them. Just know that daycare isn’t merely a last resort; it’s a fantastic option for many families. For my family, it holds a special place in our hearts as the nurturing environment that cared for my children during the hours I couldn’t.
If you’re interested in learning more about parenting and family life, check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.org. Also, for those considering at-home options, Make a Mom offers reliable syringe kits for artificial insemination. For further reading on pregnancy, visit WHO’s pregnancy resource page.
Summary
Choosing daycare over a nanny was a deliberate decision for my family, driven by various practicalities and benefits. From professional educators to a more organized home environment, daycare has proven to be a wonderful option that supports both my children’s development and my needs as a working parent.
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