Every generation has its own challenges, traumas, and upsets. Parenting and teaching have existed since the first family.
Before Group Childcare
Before there were child care centers and cell phones, parents taught their children by example. Children were trained in skill sets that they can use to make a living and a life. They worked together to complete tasks needed to survive. This included moms, dads, grandparents, extended family, and children old enough to help with the many household tasks.
50 Years of Changing Family Dynamics
Over the last 50 years, this dynamic has dramatically shifted the daily life of the modern family in the United States.
The shift to the nuclear family, with both parents working outside the home, began the disintegration of the family. Families in need of support were broken as fathers were forced out of the house before services could be utilized.
The Rise of Child Care out of the Home
The financial burden was then placed on the small family unit and single-parent homes without the support of the extended family. This facilitated the rise in group care for young children. Historically, in the United States, this process started to take on momentum around the 1960s. (a)
Impact on Parent-Child Influence
The need to enroll a very young child in group care may influence and reduce the connection between parent and child. It may impact the influence a parent has on a child’s behavior, social development, and academic learning. Unfortunately, for many, enrolling their child into a group care program is unavoidable. So what can you do?
Something to Consider
It is possible that the teacher or institution may not align with your family history, traditions, values, and morals. This opens the door for intentional and unintentional influence through interactions and expectations.
It All Starts at Home
The most important years of a child’s development are between birth and 8 years old. During this crucial period, exposure to the outside world is limited. A child will learn about the world through their families, the household environment, or teachers in group care. Many children are in care up to 9 hours a day, five days a week.
Who is Creating the Rules?
Do the teacher and institution share your values, traditions, and morals? Because the what and how a child is taught and teacher engagement are policies set by the legislature and other authoritative bodies. Though you can share concerns or make requests, ultimately, teachers and organizations must follow the guidelines set in place. Even if you don’t agree or approve. There are many options for group care; keep looking until you find a good fit.
Moving Forward
Teachers, are you following the guidelines, even if you disagree with them? Do you know and understand what they are? Are you leaving your personal values, traditions, and ideologies at home and out of the classroom? It is important to find a program that more closely aligns with your expectations and is a good fit.
The classroom-home connection is important. Working together to provide a positive and successful group care experience.
Parents: If your child must be in group care, take the time to find the right fit for you and your child. Ask questions, and get copies of what is being taught that week. Support the learning process at home through materials, books, and experiences to help your child grasp the concepts.
Teachers: Encourage families and include them in the learning process. This might include activities for parents to do at home with their child to strengthen what is taught in the classroom. Send home surveys to connect the home experience with the group care experience. (Do not ask personal or sensitive questions.) Write down a parent suggestion for contributions to the curriculum or environment. Check to see if they would be allowed according to policy. Always keep parents updated on their requests and give references for decisions. Teachers and Parents who can communicate regularly support a successful group care experience for a child.
(a) American Family Decline, 1960-1990: A Review and Appraisal, David Popenoe, Journal of Marriage and Family, Vol. 55, No. 3 (Aug., 1993), pp. 527-542 (16 pages), Published By: National Council on Family Relations
