Do kids need to be in daycare?

Question

Is there an age that kids need to be in daycare to get interaction with other children?

What age does the social interaction become important?

Answer 1

Absolutely not! Nobody can nurture your child the way you can. If you are able to stay home with your child while he or she is young, that's wonderful! The parents who feel they need to put their kid in daycare in order to help them develop really concern me. If they think a complete stranger can nurture their child better than they can, what's that saying about their parenting skills?
That said, kids should start interacting with other children around 2 or 3 years old. But they can get plenty of interaction through a parent - child playgroup. My son and I joined a playgroup when he was 10 months old, and he's a very social little boy. He did start preschool in September (because he wanted to go and I agreed that he was ready) two days per week, but you don't need to send a child to preschool at that age - or any other age. I say age 3 at the earliest if you and your child want to, but it's really not necessary.

Answer 2

Short answer: No

Long answer (because I can't help myself): Like so many others have said daycare isn't the only way to provide kids with a way to interact with other kids. My daughter has been in daycare various amounts since she was 3 months old, but that is because my husband and I both work FT and can't always get family to watch our daughter. I honestly don't consider it the best way to give my daughter socialization, there are so many other (better) options if that is your only goal.

Based on my daughter's reactions to being around other kids (cousins as well as other kids in daycare) I'd say that from a very early age (3 or 4 months old) she began bonding with other children she came in contact with. It was especially noticable once she was actually mobile herself. Often she'd overcome a developmental hurdle that was giving her trouble after watching another kid her age do something that she just hadn't been motivated to do before that. Once she started cruising and walking, it appeared even more important (around a year) because she would engage in "parallel play" with other kids her age. This is where she would seem to be acutely aware of the other person, but do her own thing without actually interacting. Also when she was a little older (no more than 18 months) she began what I'd call "hero worship" of older kids, where she obviously enjoyed playing with them/following them around. Now that she's two she's started really interacting with kids her age (good and bad). So, I'd recommend getting interaction in as early as possible.

Possible ways to do this (many mentioned already) are playgroups, readings at the library/museum, childrens music "classes", which are usually more about the parents singing and whatnot while the kids are really young, and even going to the park or hanging out in the front yard if there are alot of kids in your neighborhood.

Once your child is 3 or 4 you can start sending them to preschool for a more structured set of social activities in addition to the other methods.

Answer 3

No, I don't think so. Kids have survived for thousands of years without daycare. I'm not a fan of daycares for many reasons. I think that a child will get enough interaction with his/her siblings or other friends if he/she is an only child until the child is school-aged.

If you are feeling like your child needs some social interaction, I'd suggest signing your child up for lessons that he/she would enjoy, or go to the park and let your child play with the other children.

I think social interaction is always important--children should be taught to be polite when they interact with adults from a very early age. Teach your children how to interact with other children as the opportunity arises, but I don't think it's necessary to put your child in daycare simply so he/she will learn social skills.

Answer 4

social interaction is always important but around age 2 or 3 is when it is necessary to get a child ready for school an such

no a child does not need daycare for interaction

you could find a playgroup or mommy and me or just get your kids together with your friends kids for regular playdates
any of these will work
if you are a stay at home mom and never are seperated from your kids then daycare would be a nice way to get them used to being away before school starts (my daughter goes 4 hrs a day 2 days a week for the past 6 weeks and she's doing great and she will be starting preschool in a couple weeks) it also helped immensly in getting her potty trained however we went to an in home daycare rather than a larger daycare so she got more personal attention

Answer 5

No. This is something many women with children who are in daycare say ("it's good for socialization") but it's not necessary. Taking a child to the park, Sunday school, play-dates once a week, out and about in general provides them plenty of interaction until preschool... when they are ready to interact much more and play with others for a set amount of time.

Answer 6

Kids don't "need" to be in daycare. I was one of 5 children and not one of us ever spent one day at a daycare! My moms philosophy is "I didn't have kids so that I could have someone else raise them for me". I do agree with her. I have a almost 3 year old that will never go to daycare. If you are worried about your child enter acting well with other children and getting them ready for school try a play date. Most towns have a play date or mommy and me program that is not only beneficial to your child but also to you. Good luck on your decision.

Answer 7

Kids do not ever have to be in daycare. You can get social interraction with playgroups. Usually around 3 they can start preschool 2-3 days (1/2 days) a week. If you are a stay at home mom don't worry about daycare. They don't need it.

Answer 8

Need daycare?? never
Go to a park; find some other people who keep their kids at home; go to a zoo, a kids theatre, a museum, to the mall......you don't have to put your kids in daycare to get social interaction.
There is no 'right age' it is simply when you feel comfortable and when the child is starting to show interest in things other than you. When they ask questions about the outside world, etc. When they notice the neighbors.

Answer 9

Findlater relatives mom (27): Anya Marie Findlater Dad (30): Robert Alexander Findlater Daughter (7): Freya Madison Rose Findlater Daughter (4): Isobel Renee Alexis Findlater Daughter (2 months): Honey Abigail Paige Findlater (hehe) Daycare youthful little ones Boy (2): Noah Thomas James lady (2): Imogen Harper Adams lady (3): Eden Charlotte Wright 2 ladies (7 months): Maia Imari Garcia (left) & Arianna Jade Folen (proper)

Answer 10

3 to 4 years old is thee best age. kids will teach each other about interaction. its not always fun , but kids work it out. check out the day care provider to the 11th degree you cant be too careful, an when you find one drop in unannounced to see how it really is at the daycare center. if you can find a DCC that specializes in just kids under 6 years that would be the best