preview

Essay on The Effect of Day Care on Children

Best Essays

The Effect of Day Care on Children
Because many stay at home mothers are entering the work force, there is a higher demand for day care centers for the mothers’ children. The topic of day care centers and whether they are beneficial to young children is becoming discussed more frequently. An increasing number of parents are becoming more cautious about the type of childcare they choose for their children. Some parents are adhering to the traditional way of raising their children by staying at home and caring for them. However, other parents have no other option other than to send their children to a day care facility due to both parents’ work schedules. Researchers have performed studies in which they examined children’s development in …show more content…

A study in northwest Texas showed that children who attended a child care center reported more cases of asthma and allergies than children who did not attend a child care center (Sun & Sundell, 2011, p. 794). Both Mann’s article and the northwest Texas study conclude that if a child attends day care before elementary school, he or she may become ill often while there. Despite this, the child’s immune system is becoming stronger and is preparing itself for the exposure to illnesses. However, the child may develop certain allergies or asthma, which could have long term effects.
Healthy and nutritional foods also play a role in a child’s physical health. With over 70 percent of children in day care, and the growing interest in the topic of childhood obesity, daycares are attempting to provide children with healthier snacks and meals. Studies show that a person’s eating habits are usually formed by the time they are five years old. Since many of the children in day care facilities are under the age of five, their eating habits are greatly influenced by what is provided by the day care. Due to a study being conducted in Florida, day care centers provide the children with healthy meals and snacks. Their teachers and parents are also being encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle in order to be a good influence to the children. The amount of screen time (movies and video games) per day has been reduced, and children are encouraged to participate

Get Access