5 benefits of sending your child to daycare

1.  Social and emotional development

A good daycare helps teach children how to interact with others, overcome shyness, make friends and socialise in a safe, supervised setting with supportive, caring adults, says Dr Shireen Mohamed, a Durban educational psychologist, neuropsychologist and family mediator. They can learn to share, take turns and adjust to different personalities, gaining understanding and self-confidence, which enables them to explore the world around them and become more independent. 

They can also learn self-regulation – how to express and manage emotions appropriately, which is useful for success in school and in life, as they are better able to cooperate with others, cope with frustration and resolve conflict. 

“Pre-schools should foster holistic development to provide a solid foundation for further learning and relationships,” says Dr Caron Bustin, a Durban child and education psychologist and past teacher and principal. “Do research and use your discretion.”

2. Cognitive and language skills 

Being exposed to the vocabularies of other children and adults, and to songs and stories, can enhance your little one’s vocabulary. Sensory play, puzzles and music can promote critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. “Be mindful that many play centres and crèches in South Africa do not meet the demands of a school readiness programme, so look into the Grade 00 and Grade R curriculum,” says Dr Bustin. “Avoid places that teach school skills like reading and writing and focus on the finished product rather than the developmental age of the child. Formal learning is the domain of Grade 1, whereas pre-literacy skills and pre-numeracy skills are the responsibility of pre-school facilities.” 

3. Structure and routine

Consistent routines for meals, naps and play at daycare can reduce stress and create security for children, helping make their adjustment to formal schooling easier, as can learning to follow instructions, says Dr Mohamed. This can also make life easier at home when you are a working parent, juggling childcare with supporting your family. A daily routine encourages regular sleep, and healthy self-care and hygiene.

4. Improved physical and motor skills

Children can improve their strength and coordination by honing their gross motor skills through running, jumping and climbing in day care playgrounds, imitating others and exploring on their own. They can also develop fine motor skills by drawing, cutting, building blocks and threading beads, refining their dexterity. “The advantage of a pre-school is that the physical environment usually provides more than a single parent or couple can, and maintains safe and developmentally appropriate materials for your child’s age group,” says Dr Bustin. 

5. Better health

While being around other children spreads germs and makes little ones more susceptible to cold, flu and other viruses, and to ear and respiratory infections and tummy bugs than if cared for at home, in the longer term this builds their immune system, making them stronger. “If your little one is repeatedly infected perhaps consult your GP or paediatrician for advice,” says Dr Bustin. 

Studies suggest that children in daycare are more likely to try new foods (especially when staff eat the same food and talk about it), and enrolment in daycare promotes preventive health measures such as vaccinations and health screenings. Trained daycare providers are also often able to pick up on potential developmental problems or difficulties, leading to early intervention and support.  

Nothing can replace the safe, secure foundation of home, or the love and affection that come from a parent’s unconditional regard for their child, say both psychologists. However, while parents are at work, a high-quality daycare can provide invaluable support, helping ensure children receive a strong start in life and attentive care.

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