Why Some Parents Choose Not to Send Their Children to Preschool or Daycare

With many parents having the option to send their children to preschool or daycare, some still choose to opt out, even if financial means are available. This article explores the reasons behind these choices, reflecting on personal experiences and broader societal views on early childhood development.

The Personal Journey of Choosing Home-Based Care

One mother, fortunate enough to have a supportive partner, made the decision to stay home and provide early childhood education for her children herself. With a background in early childhood education and a strong desire to offer a nurturing environment, she made the choice to stay at home during the early years. She remembers, “I was fortunate enough at that stage in my life to have a husband who could provide for the entire household. Also, I had an early childhood education degree and I wanted to be at home with my children and give them the best possible nurturing and safe environment one on one.”

Her decision was born from a place of emotional well-being. Reflecting on her own childhood, she recalls, “I remember not feeling safe a lot when I was little, always anxious and worried. I didn’t want that for my babies.” She continues, “It was a wonderful time for the kids, and we had many great memories together. I am so thankful for the experience and I know that they thrived from being able to do that for them. We were able to build upon our relationship and bond deeply from these experiences. It’s an amazing way to start a strong family foundation.”

The Struggle of Balancing Work and Family Life

However, not all parents have the privilege of choosing home-based care. Many struggle to find a balance between their professional responsibilities and parental duties. The article highlights the challenges faced by working parents who drop their children off at daycare in the morning, often with a look of overwhelm and anxiety on their faces. The author remembers, “I would be there for them as best I could but nothing could take away the emotional stress all carers have to endure.”

These parents often juggle the demands of work and family, seeking to provide the best for their children while maintaining their financial stability. They often struggle with feelings of guilt and concern about the social and emotional development of their children in such environments.

Home-Based Care as a Preferred Option

For some parents, the preference for home-based care stems from a belief that children should be taught by their parents rather than institutions. They argue that preschool and daycare can be expensive and may overload children too early. One parent expresses this sentiment, “Women can teach their children for free and preschool is expensive. Pre-school is expensive and you can overload a child too early. They should be listening to birds and climbing trees and swinging from branches at this age.”

They believe that parents can provide unique and personalized learning experiences at home, teaching their children essential life skills and fostering deeper emotional connections through one-on-one interactions.

Overcoming Germs and Illnesses

Another factor that some parents consider when deciding not to send their children to daycare is the risk of illness. The author recalls, “We also didn’t have to worry about our children being sick from germs or other children constantly. We had healthy young children who were sick a regular amount of time.”

For many, the prospect of preventing illness and ensuring their child’s health is a significant motivator in choosing home-based care. They see the potential for better health outcomes and reduced exposure to common childhood illnesses as a benefit of this decision.

Conclusion

While the decision to send children to preschool or daycare is often seen as the norm, not all parents make this choice. Home-based care offers unique benefits such as emotional security, personalized education, and reduced risk of illness. Each family's decision is deeply ingrained in their individual circumstances and values, highlighting the diverse ways in which we approach early childhood development.