Deciding between going back to work and stay-at-home parenthood is often a tough decision for parents to make. On one hand, having those precious moments is what every parent craves. On the other, earning enough income for the family also ranks as a top priority.
Let’s examine the essentials and the various benefits that both parents and kids will enjoy through a quality daycare program.
Common Misconceptions about Daycare
The number of stay-at-home parents has been on the incline over the past few years. In 2023, a quarter of all moms in the US identified as stay-at-home parents. In comparison, that was true solely for 15 percent of mothers in 2022.
The lack of affordable childcare and the incredible stress resulting from daily exposure to the corporate environment has stimulated many to pursue a different lifestyle. Another reason for stay-at-home parenthood is starting to emerge, however. One that focuses on overall wellness, building quality family moments, and detaching as much as possible from societal standards and expectations for both parents and children.
All of these facts have contributed to some common misconceptions about parents who choose daycare for their children:
- There’s nothing better for a child than the home environment: That may be true to a certain extent but parental burnout is a real thing. A stay-at-home parent who’s responsible for just about everything inside the house may find it difficult to ensure creative, developmental, and educational activities a child’s going to enjoy on a daily basis.
- Children lose their attachment to a parent by attending daycare: The bond between child and parent is indestructible. Even studies prove the fact that attachment in young kids is unaffected when they start attending daycare.
- I’m a bad parent for considering daycare: Like any other parent, you want the best for your child. Sometimes, your ability to provide everything a kid requires is going to be limited. The fact that you recognize your limitations and you’re looking for a better option makes you an amazing parent.
- Raising kids at home is the most fulfilling experience: While being a parent is incredible, it’s also a tough job. If you don’t have any assistance, you may start resenting the lack of personal space and the fact that everything falls on your shoulders.
- Kids who stay at home are healthier than those attending daycare: Some studies prove the opposite is true, as exposure to germs strengthens the immune system. There’s also some evidence that kids tend to eat healthier foods in daycare settings.
The Benefits of Daycare for Kids
When thinking about daycare benefits, most parents focus on child development. The range of advantages, however, expands beyond cognitive and educational improvements.
- A structured environment that is well-organized and 100 percent focused on the child helps overall development
- Children get to interact with their peers, learning socialization and problem-solving essentials at an early age
- Daycare teaches children independence, helping them acquire new skills and reducing their dependence on parental help for simple tasks (like eating food, taking clothes off, washing hands, etc.)
- All learning opportunities are age-appropriate and supervised by trained professionals
- Consistency of the care quality that kids receive
It’s also important to point out that daycare opportunities can be personalized to address your specific needs. You don’t have to opt for full-time enrollment. A few hours spent in a daycare environment per day may be all that you and your kid need for an optimal outcome.
Why Daycare Is Also Beneficial for Stay-At-Home Parents
We can’t underestimate the important benefits that you will experience as a stay-at-home parent who chooses daycare for their kids.
Some of the ways in which such a choice can be good for you include:
- A chance to breathe and relax – as already mentioned, taking care of a kid is a 24/7 job
- An opportunity to socialize with peers or focus on a favorite activity for an hour or two per day – the perfect chance for a parent to deal with stress and feel good when interacting with a kid
- Having some time away from a child gives you the opportunity to come up with fun, creative, and cool things to do together later on
- Getting a few hours to deal with chores and adult responsibilities (like going to a doctor’s appointment, doing a deep clean, or handling the weekly shopping without interruptions and disturbances)
- A chance to take a side gig, start a business, or learn a new skill before going back to work
Society still somewhat frowns upon stay-at-home parents who employ daycare options. That’s because societal standards are unattainable, even for the most organized and ambitious person. Because of such general attitudes, you’re likely to deal with shame and a serious internal conflict before choosing a daycare for your child.
When it comes to taking care of your kids, there isn’t a right or wrong approach. What works for one family isn’t necessarily good for another. A child’s temperament, their development level, and the parent’s schedule/responsibilities all play a role.
If you feel that daycare will make your life easier as a stay-at-home parent while also benefiting your child, go for it. You can easily experiment with a few attendance sessions to find out how your child feels in the new environment. If both of you are happy with this new opportunity, you should consider making it a part of your everyday routine.
Author Bio:
Emily Correa, the Marketing Director at Jackrabbit Technologies, combines her passion for child development with her unique business insights. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 15 years in the field, she’s at the forefront of marketing innovative software that supports child-focused services. Emily’s dedication to family and community is evident in everything she does, making her a reliable advisor for parents exploring childcare options.
