When anticipating the arrival of a baby, it seems that everyone feels compelled to ask you questions that range from the bizarre to the overly personal. During my pregnancy with my first child, I quickly became adept at responding to these inquiries—by the time I entered my second trimester, I was on autopilot. “June 7th,” I would reply cheerfully. “Yes, my partner is looking forward to having a daughter. Thank you for your concern,” I’d say, suppressing an eye roll. “No, I’m quite certain it’s not twins,” I’d mutter, imagining the chaos of such a scenario.
As the pregnancy progressed, the focus shifted from prenatal curiosities to discussions about childcare, and suddenly, everyone was eager to know our plans. From the outset, my partner and I had decided on daycare for our child. Although I’m not sure how we reached this conclusion, hiring a nanny was never a serious consideration. Thus, we actively researched reputable daycare centers and placed our names on waiting lists for those we preferred. However, I soon discovered that many people view daycare as a less-than-ideal option for childcare, often likening it to neglect.
Fast forward three years and two children later, I can honestly say I have zero regrets about our decision to choose daycare. While I recognize that many families thrive with nannies, I want to advocate for daycare and highlight the merits it offers. Here are six reasons why daycare was the right choice for my family:
- I Prefer Not to Manage Employees
Adding children to the family involves enough logistical challenges, so the last thing I wanted was to add payroll duties into the mix. Many people opt to pay their nannies under the table, but that’s not something I feel comfortable doing. If I were to hire someone, I would want to provide benefits and remain compliant with tax regulations—tasks that seem daunting to me. Having had experiences in my professional life where not every hire turns out to be a gem, the thought of leaving my young children with an unknown individual was terrifying. - Daycare Staff Are Trained Professionals
Those who dedicate their careers to childcare are often remarkable individuals. While it’s true that some nannies possess similar levels of skill and dedication, my confidence in daycare staff is strong. They don’t do this job for the money (and it’s worth noting that daycare teachers are underpaid, despite the high costs). My children have been cared for by compassionate, nurturing educators who have helped them learn skills such as napping in a crib and self-dressing—skills I sometimes feel woefully unprepared to teach. It’s almost as if they have degrees in early childhood education or something! - Keeping My Home Organized
I’m not the type of parent who thrives on messy arts and crafts. While I admire those who can maintain their sanity amid paint spills and glitter chaos, I find it overwhelming. My kids and I enjoy many activities together, but art projects are not one of them. Daycare provides a perfect solution by allowing my children to explore creativity in a structured environment. The wonderful teachers set up and clean up after messy activities, freeing me from the burden while ensuring my kids have enriching experiences. - Exposure to Common Illnesses
One concern many parents express about group childcare is the increased risk of illness. Yes, the first year in daycare was filled with colds and rashes, but it’s essential to recognize that keeping kids at home won’t spare them from these bugs. They’ll encounter the same viruses when they finally do start school. By allowing my children to experience daycare, they’re better prepared to handle these common childhood ailments early on. - Shared Experiences with Other Children
All of the kids my children interact with come from homes with working parents. From an early age, they’ve understood that Mom and Dad go to work after drop-off. Unlike playgroups where some kids arrive with parents, daycare normalizes the experience of both parents working. This shared understanding will likely ease any future questions they may have about our work schedules. - Recognizing Different Parenting Choices
If you’ve found a childcare arrangement that suits your family, I applaud you. Parenting is challenging, and we all have our share of struggles, whether it’s dealing with spilled milk or navigating sleep disruptions. I believe that as long as you love and care for your children, your choices are valid.
In conclusion, daycare is far from a last resort; it’s a viable and enriching option for many families. It has provided my children with love, care, and invaluable experiences during the hours I couldn’t be with them. For more insights on family planning and childcare options, you may also want to explore resources like CDC’s information on pregnancy and learn about how to support your partner during infertility at this guide. If you’re looking for additional resources on family planning, check out our at-home insemination kit.