What do you think are the Pros and Cons of having a child in Day Care?

Question

It's for an opinion paper in my child development (psychology) class. There is no right or wrong answer...and everyone has different opinions. Let's try to respect others feelings in our responses. I'm hoping to find some responses that I had not thought of, or I had thought of but had trouble expressing the opinion in a clear way. The answer that best assists me in my preparation for the paper gets "Best Answer"!-- Whether you agree with me or not (part of the reason I'm not stating where I stand). Feel free to list both pros and cons!
And thanks in advance for you help!

Answer 1

Pros: your child will be able to learn and interact with other children and it prepares them for pre-school or kinder garden.

Cons: (If you work a 9-5 job) someone else will be raising your child and disciplining them, probably in ways you don't approve of. You are away from your child for a long period of times. Your child may pick up other bad kid's habits. If your child is still an infant...then your child might end up calling his/her caregiver "mommy". I've seen it happen before. Other kids may have bad hygiene and pass it on to your child (i.e. head lice).

UPSIDE of Daycare:

Always more than one person available to watch, care for, supervise, and feed your child

Interaction with other children

Develop social skills at an early age

Kid's days are pretty much scheduled, routine, and consistent

Daycare centers don't call in sick

Kids receive a lot of mental stimulation

Your house stays neater (although my son can make a mess in minutes)

The kids enjoy the change of scenery and toys

Cost is less than for a nanny

English-as-second-language kids have more exposure to English


DOWNSIDE of Daycare:

Nighttime baths vs. possibly every other day

Laying out their clothes

Packing nutritious lunches vs. fast food snacks

Morning rush to get out of the house on time

Allow extra time to make the stop and drop-off

Your child screaming, "Mommy don't go!!"

The guilt and bad feelings because you're leaving them behind

Less one-on-one attention from caregivers

Potential personality conflicts at the center between parents and staff

Potential personality conflicts between the children

Ethics taught are the centers or the caregiver

Values taught are the centers or the caregiver

Possibly no ethics or values taught at all

Political influences are those at the center/school

Less bonding between parent and child

Child learns early on that you won't be there for them when they need you

You don't get to see and experience all the "firsts" that your child goes through

You can NEVER recapture those things you miss

When your child has a boo-boo you're not there to make it better

When your child is excited about what she/he has learned, you're not there at the moment they want to share it with you
When they're not feeling well you leave them to someone else to care for them

When they're sick no one will baby them like you will

More exposure to health issues: ringworm, lice, and colds/flues

You're not there to kiss away their tears

You're not there to waylay their fears

You're not there to set their wild ideas back on track

No opportunity to have a spontaneous day

No time to do "nothing at all" together

To experience the joy of holding and watching your child sleep for hours (hopefully)

You're not there to teach them to climb a tree

To explore the bugs and insects

To plant a seed and watch it grow

Playing "what do you see in the clouds"

Less time to go to the beach, woods, hiking, swimming, biking, skating, etc.

No time to just "play"

To be your kid's playmate

To experience getting to be a kid all over again with your child

Seeing and experiencing life through the eyes of your child

No time to make pancakes in the morning

No time to bake real cookies

Not there to put a band aid on the invisible oweee

Not get to see your child's imagination develop

Not get to see their personal development as much as you could

Don't get to see them beaming with pride at their BIG accomplishments

Infants and toddlers spending 6-8-10 hours a day away from Mom or Dad

The cost of daycare is an added expense: financial and emotional

(Copied and pasted the pro's and con's and attached the link below)

Answer 2

Well, naturally, the biggest pro is that it frees the parent(s) to work.It helps the child learn to trust the parent as well-that the parent will always return.Aids in developing a routine for the child-very important.Aids in development of social interaction skills if there are other children present.
On the flip side,children in daycare tend to be sick more.There is always the possibility of the parent missing a milestone (first steps, first words,first lost tooth etc.) with a child in daycare.The providers beliefs may be different than your own as well and this could present some issues.You never know whats going on with daycare that your child doesn't tell you, so there is always some degree of "mystery" about the days events.
These are but a few things-I hope they help with your paper!

Answer 3

I would say day care would be a positive thing. Your child would be able to interact with other children their age, learn valuable lessons such as sharing, and so many more. Your child would learn that it is okay to be away from mom or dad, by being rewarded with fun and games. This way, in the future, your child will not throw a hissy fit when left alone.

A con: day cares are covered in germs.

Answer 4

It really depends on the type of daycare you're talking about. I'm not a fan of in-home daycare, but my son attends a high-quality, licensed daycare center/preschool that we both love. I'll give you the pros and cons of my son's school.

Pros: Social interaction, social interaction, social interaction; learning to accept and follow other people's rules; age-appropriate, fun, educational activities we wouldn't be able to do at home; developing a social life separate from parents; developing trust in non-parental adults; help in overcoming anxiety and shyness; increased independence; nutritious meals provided for every child; parents are able to work, attend school, etc., knowing their children are safe, happy and well-cared for.

Cons: Very anxious or shy children do have trouble, especially at the beginning; GERMS (but this is also a pro -- because it helps to develop their immune systems, so you get much of the puking and snot out of the way before kindergarten); kids do learn from other kids, and sometimes they learn things you'd prefer they hadn't learned; missing out on certain milestones (but, again, this can also be a pro -- my son and I are both so proud when he comes home and shows me something he's learned without my help).

Answer 5

I am definately for having a child in daycare. It is a great thing because it does help in teaching them to be social. It helps with keeping them on a set schedule. Having a child on a set schedule is imperative to them growing up with out confusion and also helps in thier behavior.
It also helps with the education, most parents do not have time to sit down with the kids and go over things such as ABC's, 123's, spelling, manners, colors, etc, etc, etc. They are more prepared for what Kindergarten is going to be like so there is not as much of a shock to them.

The only thing about that is that you have to make sure you are choosing a good place. Sometimes a in home daycare that has a more one on one base is the better way to go. Even with this you have to know the person pretty well and they have to be trustworthy in order to trust them enough to watch your child.

Answer 6

I was in day care for many years and hated it. It is "survival of the fittest" and everyone is mean and violent, especially to those smaller than them. I had many problems in elementary school with violence and such because of this hateful environment I had come to know. Many teachers are not trained correctly and are mean. Problem is that they put on an act for the parents. My brother and I were at the best day care center around (in a very nice area) and it was horrible. To this day I still do not get along with my middle brother because of the gap/ lack of contact we had for so many years (different day care classes). Day care is horrible, and a nanny or babysitter is a better option. I hated day care and would shoot myself before putting my children in there. My littlest brother didn't go to daycare ever and his family and social relationships are so much better and he probably won't have violence issues. All of my friends that were in ANY daycare for a long time (many years) all used to be violent. Just a thought...

Answer 7

My two year old son goes to daycare. I would say the pros are that he learns and gets to interact with other kids. The cons are that you constantly worry that your child will get hurt, that they are being abused, They aren't eating the right things, they spend too much time in a room, and it costs a lot of money!!

Answer 8

I worked in day care and I can give your the pro's and con's from my view as a day care person and from the parents view.

Day care workers pro's and con's:
Pro's:
1. You work with children and learn more about parenting
2. You meet other parents who all have different ways of bringing up their children
3. Childen come to you for anything and everything and they look at you as is you were their parent
Con's:
1. The pay may not be as expected
2. You will receive children after breakfast is served and you have to make more to feed just this one child.
3. Parents arrive extra late to pick up their child with wild excuses
4. You have an order from a parent to give a child a medication and even thoug you give the medication, a parent may say you did not
Pros as a parent for day care:
1. A special place with prepared people to care for your child while you work
2. You can be sure that your child is in a controled enviroment so no outsiders will bother
Con's as a parent for daycare:
1. A price hike in the service without notice
2. A time limit to leave and pick up child
3. Some centers may close for a few weeks due to vacation of the care takers and you have to take your child to another place for that time.
There are a lot of things. I worked for a few months because some parents fell behind in payments and our pay was reduced. I had to be there by 7 am and have breakfast ready for my group, feed them, wash their dishes and clean the room. The center where I was working was a 2 floor home and the rooms were converted to larger rooms equiped each with a bathroom, a small kitchen, closet space, tv, vcr, air conditioning and big windows. Some mothers brought their children late in the morning after breakfast was over and I would have to make some more while attending the children. Some parents would spoil their children so much that the children would cry and scream for a special toy. One child I had, a beautiful little girl age 4 with blue eyes and curly blond hair had 6 pacifiers because her mom wanted to please her daughter so much that other children wanted a pacifier and a fight among the children broke out. I took all her pacifiers away but one and seperated the kids. When the mother came that afternoon I told her what went on, she was ready to knock me out because I suggested in a nice way only 1 pacifier is enough. The next day the child had 4 but I found them and quietly put all way but 1, and the child didn't ask for the rest. Some parents would come extra late to pick up their child and the administrator would tell them that she would have to charge the extra hours because her license was for from 7am to 5:30pm and some moms were comming at 7pm. A discussion formed and so the price was raised a month later. The place was safe because if passed inspections of fire, police and that of the zoning board. I liked it there because the children were sweet but it took them and me a while to get along because some parents as I found out would let their children do what they wanted most of the time and a few were really out of control. Lunch was prepared for all by an employee with cooking experience. After lunch, I did the dishes, cleaned up the children, cleaned the floor, layed out the mats, and they would take their afternoon nap from 1pm to 2pm. Some slept until 3. I would have hobbies, art and game ideas on hand and we would have a lot of fun. The only thing was that some parents were letting their children do what they want. I talked to the administrator who would talk to them and one or another would see our view but the most would blow up against us. We had a meeting with the parents, with the order of the day the control and conduct of the children. Of course the administrator did all the talking and explained to the parents everything from bringing too many toys, pacifiers and candy to showing their children how to behave. There were also issues on my case where I had more children than any other of the care personal. I started out with 10 and in less than a month I had 15 kids in the room . This was an over crowd. I talked to the administrator and asked her about one of the other takers take a child or 2. She said they were doing the best they can. Well, soon my hours were cut down and I saw less pay, more kids and more housework because that what we had to do, clean the room constantly. I did not mind it, but the pay did not show for all my work. Later, just berfore I left, a few parents and children of my group felt bad that I was leaving, the little girl with the pacifiers she cried when I left and she kicked my replacement in the chin and did a tantrum. I hugged her dearly and I too cried and told her that my replacement was a nice person and that she must be a good girl for me. She just hugged me, sobbed and then we said good by. A year after I left, the place was closed and no longer is a day care due to money problems. The parents took their kids to the competitor a few blocks over. Hope this experience of mine helps you. Good luck

Answer 9

I've done it both ways, until 2001 I worked full time and had 3 children who went through day care. Pros are lovely dedicated caregivers and teachers, healthy food, nap time, outdoor play, comforting routine, state regulation and inspection in my child's best interest, fun friends and nice parents to get to know.

Cons for us were, lack of privacy for children who need it to go potty, other kids who were undisciplined and hit or bit, teachers who were not up to the challenge.

We did not use the most expensive facility. I would counsel a parent to keep their finger on the pulse of your facility because quality can go "down" when management makes changes and quality teachers and directors leave. Get to know your child's current teacher, greet her every morning and afternoon. Do your best to get a read on her character and personality. I say "her" because I am honestly leary of men in this role. Sorry!

Answer 10

For pros I would say that the children get interaction at a daycare with others that are their own age, and they are well adjusted when it comes time for school. for cons i would say that in daycare some children tend to get sick more often since they are exposed to more, however as they get older it will help their immune system fight off more infections so that may also be considered a pro.

Answer 11

I really dont see any advantages to having a child in daycare. I am a stay at home dad. I dont want my kids to be in the hands of strangers to teach them judgement and morality. That is my job. When you do the math its also more cost effective, unless both parents are able to bring home 90,000 bux.
As for socialization: kids dont really understand socialization until 3, but more likely age 4. There are parks, organizations, meeting places, parents day out etc. They have plenty of opportunity for socialization.
Besides, Daddy is just not ready to give up Daddys Little Girl.