10 Reasons I Adore Daycare

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When I welcomed my first child, the idea of daycare felt terrifying. I envisioned keeping her safe from the chaos of the world. But honestly, the daycare costs were equivalent to my full paycheck, making it seem silly to work just to cover childcare expenses. So, I opted to stay home, where I could manage my sanity without the constant worry of finances. Just kidding! I hardly ever lost my cool—most of my frustrations were directed at my neighbor’s incessantly barking dachshund and my secret stash of ice cream. I indulged in quite a bit of ice cream!

The first year at home with my baby was enjoyable. I cherished our quiet moments and one-on-one time. However, when my second child arrived, things got increasingly hectic. Suddenly, I was juggling two kids with their own unique schedules—naps and meals became a battleground. Then came my third child, and chaos reigned supreme. With three little ones under six, our household transformed into a whirlwind. They were on different sleep cycles, engaged in daily squabbles, and I often felt like a referee at a chaotic concert.

When I saw the opportunity to work part-time, I jumped at it like a hungry dog lunging for a treat. I enrolled my kids in daycare, brushed off the typical drop-off tears, and strutted out of the center with a sense of relief and a few Cheerios stuck to my jeans. Here’s why I’ve never looked back:

1. I Stay Connected Without Overwhelm.
   I adore my kids, but after spending their entire lives together—including nine months of pregnancy—sometimes a break is necessary. Their daycare has an app that lets me check in and get updates whenever I want. I receive photos and reports on their daily activities. It’s wonderful to be involved without the constant interruptions of toddler chaos.
2. They Come Home Worn Out.
   And guess what? They arrive just in time for dinner, which conveniently falls an hour before bedtime. Winning!
3. My Home Is Tidy, and My Coffee Is Hot.
   For the first time since 2011, my house has finally dropped down the list of potential biohazards because no one is here to mess it up! Plus, I finally have time to savor my coffee—blessed, sweet coffee. The first week, I marveled at how 20 whole minutes passed without a single roll of toilet paper being unraveled across the floor. It was a spiritual experience!
4. Socialization Is Key.
   As a stay-at-home parent, I struggled to find playmates for my kids. Having moved to a new state, I was alone and it was tough. Now, they have friends to play with regularly, giving me peace of mind knowing they’re not turning into the kid that growls at anyone who approaches the slide.
5. Learning Happens Daily.
   Sure, they bring home some wacky ideas—like “zombies love brains”—but more importantly, they’re gaining vocabulary and skills faster than I could manage alone. Their comprehension of math and science is growing rapidly!
6. Excitement for Daycare.
   Each week brings new themes and special guests, and they come home buzzing with excitement about what they experienced. There are no battles or tricks needed to get them into the car; they hop in happily, ready for another adventure.
7. I’m Regaining Balance.
   By dedicating a few hours a week to myself, I return home revitalized. I’m no longer scrambling to fit my desires into the same schedule as my kids’ needs. I’m present and engaged instead of zoning out by 3 p.m.
8. Cost-Effective Care.
   In Colorado, daycare can be surprisingly affordable compared to hiring a babysitter. While we’ve had some fantastic babysitters, they often move on, leaving us with less-than-ideal options. After doing the math, daycare turned out to be only a couple hundred more a month than hiring someone who might struggle with the mechanics of a sippy cup.
9. My Kids Are Busy and Engaged.
   What better way for them to burn off that energy than in a place where I don’t have to clean up after them?
10. Appreciating Our Time Together More.
    This might sound odd, but I genuinely value our time more now. Being together 24/7 can lead to burnout, and sometimes the days feel monotonous. Daycare allows me to recharge, ensuring that when we’re together, it’s more meaningful.

I’m grateful for the time I spent at home for all those firsts and cherished moments. Yet, my kids were eager to explore the world beyond our walls, seeking experiences I couldn’t provide alone. I believe it’s essential for them to discover new things, and daycare provides a wonderful environment for that.

Now, I’m more refreshed and my children are thriving both at home and in daycare. It’s a winning formula, and I view daycare as an invaluable ally in preparing my kids for their future. I’m still their primary caregiver, and I’ll always ensure they know that zombies don’t actually eat brains!

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Summary:

Daycare has become an essential part of my family’s routine, providing my children with the socialization, learning, and excitement they need while giving me a much-needed break. I appreciate the balance it brings, allowing me to be a more engaged and present parent.