When expecting a child, it seems everyone feels entitled to ask intrusive questions. During my first pregnancy, by the second trimester, I had perfected my responses: “June 7th,” I would reply with a smile. “Yes, my partner is thrilled it’s a girl. Thank you for your concern,” I would mutter, rolling my eyes internally. “Nope, definitely not twins,” I would think, imagining the chaos of multiple babies.
Once the baby arrived, curiosity shifted to our childcare plans. From the outset, my partner and I decided daycare was the right fit for our family. I can’t pinpoint how we reached that conclusion, but discussion of hiring a nanny never gained traction. We proactively toured several reputable daycare centers and secured spots on their waiting lists. However, it quickly became clear that some view daycare as a less-than-ideal option, equating it to neglecting a child with nothing but snacks and a crib.
Fast forward three years and two kids later, I can confidently say I have no regrets about our daycare choice. While I acknowledge that hiring a nanny can be a fantastic option for some households, I want to advocate for daycare and highlight why it has been the best choice for my family:
1. Avoiding the Employee Hassle
The logistics of adding children to a family can be overwhelming, and I didn’t want the added complexity of managing an employee. While many people pay their nannies in cash, I felt uncomfortable with that approach and preferred to offer benefits and follow proper protocols. After interviewing and hiring people in my professional life, I’ve learned that not every employee is reliable. The thought of leaving my young children with an unfamiliar person was daunting.
2. Professionally Trained Educators
It turns out that daycare providers are often incredibly skilled individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for children. They don’t do it for the money, as daycare can be costly, but the teachers are incredibly passionate about their work. I appreciate that my kids are in the hands of professionals who understand child development. They helped my daughter learn essential skills like self-dressing and drinking from a cup, all while offering valuable parenting tips that have enriched our home life.
3. A Cleaner Home
I’m not the type of parent who thrives on messy arts and crafts. While we enjoy cooking and outdoor play, my tolerance for chaos is limited. By sending my children to daycare, they engage in creative activities without turning our home into a craft zone. The teachers manage the mess, allowing my kids to explore their creativity while keeping my living space relatively intact.
4. Exposure to Childhood Illnesses
Many express concern over the frequent illnesses that accompany daycare. Yes, during their first year, my kids had their fair share of runny noses and mysterious rashes. However, keeping them home until school age only delays exposure to those common childhood viruses. I believe it’s better for them to get it all out of the way early, especially since new parents often have lower expectations during those initial months back at work.
5. A Community of Working Families
One of the benefits of daycare is that all the children my kids 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. This normalization means they’re less likely to question why their parents aren’t available to play during the day.
6. No Judgments Here
If you’ve found a childcare solution that suits your family, kudos to you! Every family faces unique challenges, and we all experience those relatable moments of frustration and joy. Just know that daycare isn’t a last resort; it’s a wonderful option for many families, ours included. It holds a special place in my heart as a nurturing environment for my children while I pursue my career.
In conclusion, choosing daycare was not merely a fallback; it was a thoughtful decision that worked for our family. For anyone navigating the complexities of childcare, consider exploring resources like Progyny for insightful information on pregnancy and home insemination or check out Make a Mom for reliable products and support.