You want every moment you can grab with your preschooler before they have to stop being your "baby" and join all the "big kids" on the school bus.

Why, then, should you consider putting your preschooler in daycare? Parents tend to think of daycare centers as merely a babysitting service while they're at school or work, but modern daycares are actually learning centers with curriculums that are designed to give children a head start in life.

7 Reasons Daycare Is Worth Trying 

Daycare can provide several benefits for preschool-aged children. These include:

1. Socialization: If your child is home with you most of the time, they're probably not as well-socialized as they should be. Children need to interact with others their own age so they can learn social skills and how to make friendships. Daycare can improve a child's ability to share, take turns, communicate, and resolve conflicts with others.

2. Cognitive Development: Daycare curriculums are designed to provide age-appropriate activities and educational experiences that stimulate children's cognitive development at every stage. Storytelling, arts and crafts, music, and other daycare activities enhance language skills, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

3. Better Self-Regulation: Daycare centers typically follow a structured daily routine, which helps children develop a sense of stability, predictability, and discipline. This can contribute to time management skills and an understanding of rules and expectations.

4. Emotional Development: Interacting with caregivers and other children in a daycare setting can aid a child's emotional development. Children learn to manage and express their emotions, develop empathy, and build self-confidence through positive reinforcement and support from regular caregivers.

5. Independence and Self-Care Skills: Daycare environments encourage children to engage in age-appropriate tasks independently, such as feeding themselves, toileting, and dressing. These actions foster independence and self-care skills, preparing children for the future when they start school.

6. Exposure to Diversity: Daycare centers often have a diverse group of children from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This exposure can broaden a child's perspective, promote inclusivity, and foster acceptance of individual differences.

7. Preparation for School: Attending daycare can help prepare preschoolers for the transition to formal schooling. Transitions are hard for young children, but daycare can be a "soft" introduction for children to the routines, group activities, separation from their parents, and expectations of kindergarten. 

It's important to note that the style and quality of daycare programs can vary, so take the time to choose a daycare center that you feel is nurturing and capable of meeting your child's biggest developmental needs.