Study reveals impact of long hours of childcare on kids

It’s often an impossible juggling act for working parents, but according to new research, children who spend 40 hours a week in childcare are at greater risk of social and emotional problems.

Those who attended a childcare center rated as ‘low quality’ for more than 30 hours a week became increasingly vulnerable in at least one of five areas.

Social competence and emotional maturity had the greatest impact compared to children who had no formal childcare.

Experts say one reason for this may be high employee turnover. Children’s brain development thrives on relationships with adults with whom they have a secure sense of attachment.

On the other hand, experts say keeping children at home isn’t always beneficial.

Childcare sometimes proves to be a better alternative for children who experience disadvantaged situations, come from a single-parent family or have a language background other than English.

The Albanian government expanded childcare support early this year, guaranteeing eligible families three days of subsidized childcare per week.

While the aid is welcomed by families, parent advocacy groups say there needs to be more focus on boosting quality in the childcare sector because reducing the number of childcare hours is not an option for many working parents.