Daycare CentersVs Babysitters: Which option is best for you?

Childcare plays an important role in bringing up children properly for a responsible, meaningful and happy adult life. However, choosing a reliable childcare service is indeed a difficult task.

With a range of different options to choose from, it is extremely important that you do some research, and weigh the merits and demerits of each option.

Whether you plan to choose a daycare center or babysitter, you must feel assured that you can definitely rely upon the option, and your kids will receive the best care.

Presented below, for your benefit, is a discussion of the pros and cons of daycare and babysitting.

Daycare

Merits: A daycare is normally located in a facility with trained staff. It is usually affordable, and helps your children acquire important social skills. It’s crucial for children to learn these social skills at an early age. They learn to: acquire manners; interact with people; receive discipline.

Apart from this vital aspect, a daycare provides snacks, meals, and nap time for children. The infrastructure facilities in general are good.

Demerits: Although daycares offer a structured environment, your children are likely to pick up bad habits as well.

For instance, a daycare normally has many children and not all kids are well-mannered; your child may learn bad behaviors or bad manners at the facility.

Furthermore, your child will not receive one-on-one attention, and they may act out at home for attention.

Daycares are of a wide choice. However, you must do your research before deciding on a facility. Visit a few facilities and talk to the staff before making any decision. 

Babysitter

Merits: A second popular childcare option is to employ a babysitter. Though a little expensive, she is normally worth it. With this individual, you can rest assured that your child will be her only focus, giving your kid the best possible care.

Moreover, a child care provider will work according to your schedule: if you need childcare during odd hours, the provider will be there willing to accommodate. Most important of all, your child continues to feel as comfortable as before, remaining in the familiar home environments.

Other advantages of babysitting include running errands, transportation, meals, light housekeeping and the ability to guide your child to play educational games.

Demerits: The main disadvantage of babysitting is that your child may not be able to learn social skills. There is nothing comparable to exposing your kid to other kids of the same age in a structured setting.

Learning group work skills in preparation for team work in an adult work place later on is very essential for all kids. Of course your child care provider can take your kid to the park on play dates or other such venues; but it’s simply not enough.

Both daycare facilities and babysitters are great options for your needs; but you should consider closely first the disadvantages of the options. The final choice must be suitable enough to accommodate your present schedule and specific needs. Whatever be the choice, you need to do proper research to ensure that your child gets the best care.