Seeking Perspectives: Balancing Childcare Options for Under 3s

Hi Keerthi,

A mother's position is unique in a child's life. Mother is a mother only. Definitely the child benefits by being brought up by mom or an intimate family member in the early years of life. 

Even from our shastras, we have heard of Yashoda, Kausalya, Kunti maharani and several moms who did an amazing job raising their kids and they also relished the sweet relationship.

Unfortunately, not all moms in today's world can give hundred percent of their time to their babies due to their career and other reasons.  

In my friends' circle I know few moms who leave their young kids with nannies, drivers, and ayahs while they are at work. I have seen the girl/care-taker eating from the same spoon while feeding the baby. Ofcourse they are paid handsomely and they do their best. We must also remember that the child imbibes a lot of qualities from these people like their language, behaviour, mannerisms, body language etc., Children are great at imitating. They absorb a lot from their surroundings. 

By chance the caretaker is a great actor and is not upto the mark, the child suffers scars that may have long term impact on the child's mind and psychology. We never know how it will impact the child's personality, character and wellbeing.

Those of us who were brought up by parents and grandparents know how beautiful it is to be fed by them, hear bed-time stories from them and just being around them. The lessons they taught, and the love showered on us is priceless.  

They say mother is the first Guru for a child. So, the best thing to do is for the mom to invest her time in the baby's early years. It will benefit both. 

If that is not possible, they could do their best by atleast leaving the baby with a close family member who loves the child and would also teach values.