Pros and Cons of Putting Children in Daycare

I work at a daycare as a teacher's aide, so I have been observing and learning new things about children. I am not an expert, but this is what I have learned.

Pros

Socialization

Kids will learn how to socialize at daycare. If they are put in daycare at a young age, they will be an expert by the time they are older. Most kids love to make new friends and meet new people. On the other hand, there are kids who are shy and need to learn how to socialize. Children will make new friends whenever a new child comes to the daycare. Socialization is also very important because children learn how to play and talk to one another, using their imaginations to play house and other inventive things.

Learning

Children learn new things every day. Like that saying, we learn something new every day. Kids can learn things from their teachers, or teacher's aide. Kids will also learn new and sometimes bad things from other kids. I work with the elementary school kids in the early morning (we are talking 7AM-9:30), then work with the two-year-olds from 9:30-3. The elementary aged kids watch the TV show "Family Guy". "Family Guy" is NOT a show that they should be watching, and they should not even be staying up that late. Sometimes the kids whisper but we always say if you have to say something, say it out loud and in front of the class and teacher. Children learn how to share, how to get along with other kids, and how to make friends.

Gaining Abilities

Kids can also gain abilities which they can practice during their time at daycare, or at home. Kids can learn cartwheels, learn a new skill like dancing, or possibly even singing. It is music week this week, and my co-worker was going to have a talent show with the kids. The girls were dancing and made up a routine, while doing teamwork. Team work is an important skill they will need throughout life. Learning how to work together is important, because a lot of teachers like to do group work (yes, even in college).

Trying New Things

Children are more willing to try new things (like foods or crafts) if they see their peers eating or doing it. Parents will be impressed when kids tell them they tried something new, or made something new.