| You've heard all the nasty rumors about day care. | | | | also have the opportunity to learn some of the basics |
| Too many kids and too few caregivers. Lots of | | | | such as the alphabet and numbers, and he's always |
| sneezing and wheezing. That little guy who's always | | | | increasing his vocabulary. This pre-preschool learning |
| grabbing your child's toy. Everyone's got a story. But | | | | environment gives your child an understanding of what |
| you have to get back to work and you have no | | | | will be expected of him once he enters kindergarten. |
| choice. What's a good parent to do? | | | | He learns to sit and listen, and is able to accept the |
| Let's concentrate on the positive. There are plenty of | | | | information that will be thrust upon him in school. He |
| benefits to sending your child to day care. If you | | | | learns the value of teamwork and to respect the |
| consider some of these benefits, it will help you come | | | | opinions and emotions of others. Entering school for |
| to terms with your own decision, whether you have a | | | | the first time is challenging for all children, but those |
| choice or not. Once you understand, you'll feel you're | | | | who have been in day care benefit by already having |
| helping your child grow into a well rounded, happy child | | | | exposure to a classroom-like environment. |
| instead of feeling guilty about sticking him in day care. | | | | Once your daughter enters school, day care can help |
| Babies need interaction with other children. It's never | | | | with homework. Some day care facilities even offer |
| too early to start engaging your son in activities with | | | | after-school extracurricular activities like scout |
| other children, whether his own age, toddlers or older | | | | meetings, dance class, martial arts and on-site |
| children. Learning to interact with other kids prepares | | | | gymnastics instruction. Once she is in school her |
| your son for his first real school experience. Day care | | | | horizons begin to broaden. |
| is a gentler environment, there are less rules and more | | | | As you can see, there are many benefits to placing |
| flexibility than strict teachers may impose in school. | | | | your child in a licensed, qualified day care situation. And |
| Children benefit from day care by learning self-control, | | | | remember that even though your child is away from |
| how to get along with others, and how to share. They | | | | you for a portion of his day, it is really the parents that |
| begin to learn all about friendship. Without day care, | | | | make the most difference in his life. |
| your daughter only knows you; you are her whole | | | | When he gets home from day care after spending a |
| world. How scary would it be to get into school at age | | | | long day away from you, he will be bursting to tell you |
| four or five and find out that Mom isn't there with her? | | | | all about his day. Ask him questions about his friends, |
| Children benefit from day care by expanding their | | | | his teachers, his subjects. He will share his day with |
| world to include people other than their parents. | | | | you no matter what his age is, and getting him to |
| Separation anxiety will be lessened (or not an issue at | | | | vividly describe his day is exciting to a child especially if |
| all) when your child enters school if she's been in day | | | | you show interest. Of course you're interested, aren't |
| care. She's already used to being away from you for | | | | you? After all, this child, a mini version of yourself, is |
| some time during the day. She's learned how to make | | | | taking on the world one day at a time, and the choices |
| new friends and can be content without your undivided | | | | and desires he has will be a direct reflection of you. |
| attention. The transition from home to school is far less | | | | Make the most of that opportunity while you can - |
| difficult for those who've experienced day care. | | | | children are only children once. |
| In addition to learning socialization skills, your son may | | | | |