5 Ridiculous Myths About Daycare Kids

After having my little one, I quickly learned that even though I had just brought a human into the world, my bills weren’t going to pay themselves. And guess what? My family members were busy with their own lives and couldn’t babysit for me all day. Enter the dreaded “Daycare Kid” phase.

It’s baffling how “daycare” has become a term wrapped in stigma. “Daycare Kid” is like the ultimate insult. People imagine these kids being left in some cold, warehouse-like place, neglected and waiting for a tetanus shot before they can even touch the swings. Daycare Kids are often painted as wild and unruly, the ones you should steer clear of.

Just the other day, I found myself at a playground, dressed for work with my Daycare Kid, and I noticed other parents actually taking a step back. It was as if they thought my kid was contagious, carrying some kind of “Daycare Cooties.” Honestly, I can’t take it anymore. Let’s bust some of these ridiculous myths about daycare!

1. Those poor babies! They are left alone to cry for SO LONG!

False. At my child’s daycare, kids can cry for a maximum of 7 minutes. How do I know this? Because I asked them to let my kid cry longer during sleep training, and they said they couldn’t. So much for that myth!

2. Daycare kids need their MOTHER, not a STRANGER.

This one really gets to me. What about single dads, stay-at-home dads, or same-sex parents? Kids need nurturing from caring adults, and a good daycare provides just that. Once I introduced myself and shook the teacher’s hand, she wasn’t a stranger anymore. It’s not like I’m handing my kid over to just anyone off the street!

3. Daycare kids have no structure.

Right, because a place that looks after a bunch of preschoolers for up to 11 hours a day is just chaos. They have set times for breakfast, lunch, outdoor play, and nap. Kids even line up holding rings, wash their hands, and clean up regularly. Sounds like a wild party, huh?

4. Daycare costs as much as you make.

Seriously, have you peeked at my bank account? While daycare isn’t exactly pocket change, it’s less than my monthly earnings. Plus, with a flexible spending account for childcare and tax deductions, it actually makes sense. And let’s not forget the importance of insurance, retirement savings, and college funds—all things I would have to forgo if I quit my job.

5. Daycare is simply “bad” for kids.

Oh, absolutely. It’s terrible that I send my child to a place where she’s cared for by teachers, learns to trust others, and participates in developmentally appropriate activities. Who needs social skills like playing nicely or using utensils, right? I’m sure my husband and I will be footing the bill for therapy because of all this “trauma.”

If you’re curious about more parenting topics, check out our other blog posts, including this one on privacy here.

In summary, the myths surrounding daycare kids are not only exaggerated but also unfair. Daycare can provide essential social and developmental skills while allowing parents to manage their careers. If you’re looking for more resources on fertility and home insemination, visit Make A Mom or check out Johns Hopkins for excellent information.