As long as your children are loved and cared for they will thrive regardless of whether or not you work outside the home. But if you're still struggling with embracing childcare, research the benefits for children in childcare.
According to the University of Missouri Extension, there is no evidence that children of working mothers develop any differently than children with mothers who stay at home. Actually, numerous studies have shown that children can benefit significantly by spending time in childcare while their parents work. What? Yes, it's true!
The benefits cited include socialization skills, more mature immune systems, and even academic advantages. I have provided more commonly cited benefits to get you started:
Independence
Children who have positive experiences separating from their parents earlier in life learn to trust that their parents will leave, but that they will always come back.
Every time I drop Parker at daycare, I say, "I love you, and I will see you soon!"
These short separations actually help build confidence in his own abilities and ultimately help him become a more self-reliant and thriving individual.
Socialization
There is no better social interaction for small children than being with other small children and having the opportunity to learn, play, and be accepting and tolerant of each other.
Siblings are great companions, but there are social benefits to your children playing in groups with others their age. That's where daycare comes in handy. Where else can a group of three-year-olds play together with organized activities?
I take great joy in picking Parker up and seeing him engaged in Batman or fireman dress-up games. He is with his friends and deeply involved in play, all under supervision in a safe and creative environment. Megan developed great friendships during her time at daycare. At only two years old, she made friends with two other little girls who, to this day, are still her very best friends.
Academic advantages
In a quality childcare environment, children also gain important intellectual and communication skills.
The National Institute of Child Health & Human Development funded a study to examine the effect of childcare experiences on children's cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. The study found that higher-quality care actually contributed to improved cognitive and language skills.
I am certain this is true. Before Parker started daycare, I would respond to his slightest grunt to meet his every need. But at daycare, we all learned that Parker had to "use his words"--his teachers pushed him to vocalize his requests. He was speaking before we knew it!
Preparation for school years
I never considered that going to daycare would make my children's transitions into the school years easier for me! For many mothers, the school transition is incredibly difficult. If their children have been home with them every day for five years, starting school can be very difficult for both the mother and the child. In this sense, I consider myself very lucky.
Samantha Knowles is the author of Working Mom Reviews designed to give great tips and strategies to women across the nation. Check out http://workingmomreviews.com/overcoming-child-anxiety-review/. Check out http://healthfitnessandbeautyreviews.com/cellulite-gone-review-need-know/
