Why do people send their kids to daycare?

Question

I know people have to work. i'm a working mom but luckily my mother in law is able to watch my girls while I'm at work. If a woman doesn't need to work or is a stay at home mom, what is the point? I have heard excuses about kids needing to socialize but aren't there other ways? My kids go to sunday school and play with other kids; I have friends with children their ages, we have went to mommy and me type things at the local library. I don't get it and probably never will. What are your opinions or reasons?

and before someone mentions something about a free ride; grandma gets paid to watch the babies.

Like I said, I understand that a lot of parents have to put their kids in daycare. When I needed to find a job, my mother in law volunteered because she had the same feelings that I did about strangers watching my kids. I'm just asking the point of kids going to daycare when mommy does nothing but watch tv all day.

Answer 1

I think it's a lifestyle choice. I'm a stay at home mom. We're so fortunate to live this way. If I were to go back to work we'd probably have two vehicles, afford a really nice house and be able to pay the utilities, and all that other great stuff.

As a stay at home mom--we don't have two cars, we don't have disposable money to pay for eating out at great places, and we can't do half the things we were able to do before. We aren't "broke" and still can afford to buy nice things but I would rather do without for a while in order to make sure my kids and I can enjoy each other.

Like I said I believe it's a lifestyle choice for most married couples with college education. I feel a man (or woman) can provide for a family in today's society--it's a matter of cutting back that effects people.

I don't really care either way though--I love staying at home and being "poor" in others eyes. I enjoy seeing my kids grow up. I'm sure there are reason's behind working families as well.

I should also add when my son turns three he will attend a pre-school of some sort. I think socialization is important BUT do six month old's really need to be around other kids? I really don't think so. I feel that sure, young socialization is great--but it can be done with mom and tots classes, grocery store visits, playing with other kids, and so on.

Answer 2

Well, you are right about a work thing. Some moms send they're children to daycare because, admit it, everyone wants a day off! Stay-at-home moms are constantly working, from taking care of the children to cooking, to doing laundry. Also, sending a child to daycare in the years of preschool and kindergarten gets them to socialize better and therefore be less likely to turn ou to be an introvert in their life later on. Also, if a toddler stays at home always with a parent, the may stat to rely on the parent in difficult situations. Say a child falls down at home, mommy or daddy is always there to help. But if a child falls down at school, sure the teacher is there, but the toddler wants mommy or daddy.

Answer 3

I have been a licensed daycare provider in my home for 20 years. Before that, I was a stay-at-home mom for 6 years. I have also been a mom of 2 going to school and working who sent her children to daycare. It is very difficult to look at a family's choices and know the reasons why they chose what they are doing. Most of the families who bring their children to me for care do so because the parents work. I do not consider it to be my place to judge if their jobs are out of necessity or not. I have also cared for children of stay-at-home moms and dads, too. These parents had commitments such as volunteer work at an older child's school or perhaps a community organization and needed childcare only occasionally. I have never cared for a child strictly because the parents felt he/she needed more socialization. In our area, there are many playgroups, library story times, churches, and community education programs that focus on a child's socialization skills. Perhaps consider that people who send their children to daycare for socialization are not familiar with the programs in your area that are helpful for this. They may also not have any family in the area nor have many friends they can rely on to help them when they need it. Maybe you could befriend a family who uses daycare for socialization of their child and invite them to your church or to a Mommy and Me story time at your local library.

Answer 4

I don't think you should take your kids to daycare unless you absoulutley have to. Being with family is the best and most comfortable for any child so thats good that your mother in law can watch them. It is good for kids to socialize but it sounds like your kids get enought of that. But for some people they don''t always have family or friends to help out so daycare is there only option and you can find some really good daycares out there if you look around. I have three children and have been with my kids, I've had a couple jobs but my boyfriend was able to care for them while I was at work so I really haven't had them in daycare but maybe a couple times and when I did I worried the whole time so it can be worrisom for some parents

Answer 5

Children do need to socialize ,not everyone goes to church and not every grandparent lives close enough to watch the grand-kids. I would love to be close enough to watch my grand-kids, but in my real world, I can't. In today's society both incomes are needed and even if not, what of later on. I stayed home w/my children and after the last one moved out, I started looking for work. Ended up divorced and with no job experience, got a job working in a gas station earning minimum wage. It's been hard and if I had to do it all over again, I would've worked.

Answer 6

Lol mommy does nothging but watch tv all day??? wow i want that job!!! I dont think you realize what single parents have to deal with. Its not all fun and sitting in front of the tube all day. Some people arent as lucky as you and have people volunteer to keep there kids...you know both my parents work so them keeping my daughter for me to work is pret ty much out of the question..I really dont know of anyone who sends there kids to daycare and sits infront of the tv all day. Even if they do so what? everyone needs a break from there kids now and then even if its just sitting at home. I think your pretty closed minded and need to open your eyes to the rest of the world before you come up with some weird question like that........sitting in front of the tv hahaha!

Answer 7

Not all daycare centers are bad. Some of the centers actually teach your children the alphabet, numbers, etc. I think daycare is mainly for families who need to work and have no other option. I was happy to send my kids to daycare, by the time they entered prekindergarten they were a little more advanced than some of the other kids in their class.

Answer 8

My daughter went to daycare after school because she had no way to get to my mother's after school. I work and my mom doesn't drive. Before she was school age she went to my mom's. Sometime's there isn't a grandma that can babysit everyday, some grandma's work too. My nephew is currently going to daycare 2 mornings a week,although his mom doesn't work. He will be starting school next year and daycare is a good way for him to adjust slowly in a structured environment that is similar to school.

Answer 9

As a working mother that had the choice, I'll always be glad I chose daycare.
ILLNESS-Any doctor will tell you that children in childcare facilities get sick more often, but they also tell you that as your child matures, the immune system is stronger for it.

SOCIAL BENEFIT- my child also went to Sunday School and other functions, however, the day to day social benefit and the STRUCTURE they learn will last a lifetime. My son was in childcare since he was 6 weeks old. Those children in that class are to this day etched in his memory. His best friend to this day was in that daycare class. They still ask to see each other. It builds RELATIONSHIPS, especially if you have an only child.
EDUCATION- not just the ABC's- but everyday society skills are built very early in a child. Seeing others do something they can't makes a child want to strive to be better.
~Happy Holidays~

Answer 10

It sounds like you're a tad judgmental of others.

There are a thousand situations that require day care. Some parents don't have local in-laws (or the in-laws are not the best place for the kids.)

You actually may be imposing on your mother in law, who may want a life on weekdays.

Some children do need the socialization; some moms and dads need a day out to get the oil changed, go to the grocery and would rather have their kids in a licensed preschool learning something rather than sitting in front of the TV at grandmom's house.