A Comparison Series on the Benefits and Challenges of Daycare and Nanny: Outdoor Play Time

Childcare is not one size fits all. Some families love the structure and social aspects of daycare, while others find the flexibility and attention their child receives with a nanny something they cannot live without. Making the choice between daycare and nanny care is not always simple as both options come with benefits and challenges. During my childcare coaching sessions, I emphasize to families the importance of understanding the industry standards, assessing the details of their family’s needs and parenting style and educating themselves beyond the commonly discussed pros and cons of daycare vs nanny to find the best match. This series was created not to suggest that one type of care is better than the other but rather to point out some of the differences that you may have not thought through to assist you in making the best decision for your family.

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What Is So Important About Outdoor Play Time?

Giving a child time to explore nature and the world around them has so many wonderful benefits! I could write all day long about the value of outdoor play in the heath, development and education of young children but so many experts can communicate the scientific findings and reasons why it is essential for children to have regular expose to nature better than I can. Here are a few of my favorites articles that I encourage you to read: 

• Why Playtime Is An Essential Part Of Childhood Development
• The Importance of Outdoor Play and Its Impact on Brain Development In Children 
• ​The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
• Quality Outdoor Play Spaces for Young Children 

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How Does Daycare And Nanny Compare In Offering Children Quality Outdoor Time?

​Daycare Outdoor Play Time 

While most daycares do their best to take the children outside regularly, the group aspect of daycare can make outdoor play time much more challenging. The safety, schedule and the needs of the group often keep the children from enjoying all that the outdoors have to offer.

I often find that because of the child to adult ratios, daycares feel forced into stroller walks as it's only means of outdoor time. It is extremely difficult with even the best teachers to give a group of infants and toddlers both the safety AND the freedom to explore a playground, water splash park, pool, a large grassy or wooded area or walk on their own. Developmentally, young children are unable to be trusted not to do something that can be harmful to themselves or a classmate (put rocks in their mouth, walk into traffic, hit their friends with a stick; jump off the high playground equipment, pick up glass).

Some daycares offer a private and secure outdoor space that gives children some ability to safely explore but the options are often limited unless the daycare/ teachers are inventive with the materials and the space. 

​Of course, a parent can offer more creative outdoor activities to their kids after daycare hours and on weekends but the truth is that so many parents are busy keeping up with the necessities of adult life that outdoor play time may not happen as much as they may like.         

Nanny Care Outdoor Play Time 

Outdoor play time can be much more creative and frequent when the adult to child ratio is 1:1. The benefit of having a nanny is her ability to focus primarily on your specific child’s basic care needs, schedule, safety, parenting phylosophies, developmental growth and interests.
 
Sledding in the snow, climbing steep stairs at the playground with careful supervision, digging in the dirt with sticks and rocks, chasing pigeons, collecting nuts for squirrels; exploring shadows; playing at the water park; building a sandcastle; watching ducks at the river; splashing in the puddles in the rain; riding a balance bike or scooter; exploring grass and flowers; finding construction sites to watch the big trucks in action; gathering leaves of different sizes, shapes and colors; and so much more! 
 
But before hiring a nanny, you want to evaluate if this candidate understands the benefits of outdoor play time and is willing to participate in this type of creative free play with your child. During the interview process, talk to the applicant about outdoor time and what this may look like with your child who is 6 months old and think ahead to how this will change at 1 year; 18 months; 2 year+. If your child is confined to a stroller for the majority of time spent outdoors with the nanny they are missing out on a huge benefit of nanny care.

The Conclusion: Nanny Care For The Win!

Outdoor play time is not the only aspect to consider when choosing between daycare and nanny ... it is an important factor! While there may be some daycares that offer an innovative solution, the majority of infant-toddler group environments struggle to give their students the same level of outdoor exposure as a quality nanny is able to provide with individualized care.

Here are some simple samples of our everyday outdoor play time 

Choice Parenting Childcare Consulting would love to help you decide which type of childcare matches your unique family and teach your the best process to find, hire and keep a healthy relationship with a quality daycare, nanny, nanny-share or au pair. To learn more about our Childcare Coaching Services or to Schedule a Free Phone Consultation visit: www.choice-parenting.com