The choice of sending a child to daycare is surrounded by questions and deep-rooted concepts. in our society. One of the most common is the idea that this stage is essential for socialization. While many parents make this decision based on the belief that early interaction with other children fosters more advanced social development, expert opinions vary. But how essential is daycare for developing children's social skills? In this article, we'll help clear up your doubts and provide you with a detailed analysis.
Social development of children during the early years
Social development in children is a complex process that begins at birth and evolves over the years. Although it is believed that contact with other children is essential From an early age, it is essential to understand how their social skills develop at different stages of their life.
From 0 to 3 months
In the first three months of life, the baby expresses its needs through crying and certain movements. These signals are instinctive and are intended to attract the attention of caregivers. As the second month progresses, the baby will begin to maintain eye contact and emit his first smiles as social responses, although these are still limited.
From 4 to 7 months
At this stage, the baby increases his ability to interact. He begins to babble and smile intentionally to attract the attention of his caregivers. He may also try to get attention by throwing objects or making noises. more complex sounds. Here we see an important change in his interest in the environment.
From 8 to 12 months
The baby begins to build a sense of own identityFor example, they are already able to recognise themselves in a mirror. During this stage, the bond with their parents or attachment figures is significantly strengthened, and some discomfort may arise if they are not in sight or if they move away.
From 1 to 2 years
At this stage, the child experiences an egocentric phase. He considers himself the center of his universe and seeks the attention of adults, especially his parents. Although he shows interest in other children, especially older ones, his play remains predominantly individual. This interest in imitate marks the beginning of their first social interactions.
From 3 to 4 years
As the child reaches 3 years of age, a significant change occurs in his social behavior. He prefers to play with others and begins to establish relationships. closer relations with other children, such as finding “best friends.” This also marks the beginning of cooperation in games.
Is daycare essential for children's socialization?
Despite preconceived ideas, experts agree that a child's first social interactions occur at home, in contact with his or her family. This means that a child surrounded by a healthy family environment can develop social skills without having to attend daycare.
However, it is important to consider cases in which the family may not offer the optimal environment. In situations of family stress, absence of stable routines or lack of time to interact with the child, the creche can be a key ally, providing early stimulation and relationships with other children.
What does science say about the ideal age to attend kindergarten?
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommends avoiding daycare before the age of two due to the immaturity of the child's immune system, making him more prone to infections. From the age of three, children begin to develop a stronger sense of personal identity and benefit greatly from interacting with their peers.
The benefits of this interaction include:
- Develop skills for resolve conflicts and make decisions.
- Foster self-esteem and confidence by adopting new roles.
- Share interests and activities, which gives them a sense of belonging.
Advantages of daycare in child development
While daycare attendance is not essential for all children, there are proven benefits for those who attend:
- Academic and social stimulation: Planned activities help the child to acquire basic knowledge and to socialize.
- Structured routines: Daycare teaches children to follow schedules and rules, which facilitates a smoother transition to formal education.
- Emotional development: Sharing space with other children helps them identify and manage their emotions.
- Endurance: Children begin to do simple tasks on their own, such as eating alone or picking up their toys.
The role of educators is also key, as they help teach values such as empathy, cooperation and respect for others.
Alternatives to daycare
For families who choose not to send their children to daycare, there are many options to encourage their socialization:
- Parks and public spaces: They allow the child to interact spontaneously with others of his age.
- Playgroups: Meetings organized by parents so that children can participate in joint activities.
- Extracurricular classes: Activities such as music, art or sports can be a great way to socialize.
Regardless of the decision, the important thing is that the child receives the stimulus as Support needed to develop their social skills, whether at home or in a more formal educational setting.
The foundation for social development begins at home, where children build their first meaningful relationships. However, daycare can provide additional benefits that allow children to function more easily in society. The key is to meet the emotional and social needs of children at every stage of their life.