PSYC 290 Week 2 Discussion: Development in Infancy

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

Prof. Name

Date

Discussion: Development in Infancy

Choosing the Best Childcare Arrangement

Researchers such as Ainsworth, Bowlby, and Harlow have extensively studied the significance of attachment in infancy. When deciding on the best childcare arrangement for an 8-month-old, it is important to weigh various factors, including family circumstances, financial situation, and available childcare options. According to attachment theory, especially Bowlby’s perspective, infants form strong emotional bonds with their primary caregivers between 7 to 24 months (Santrock, 2019, p. 181). These bonds are critical for their emotional and psychological development. Therefore, it may seem advantageous for a parent to stay at home and provide consistent care for the infant during this period. However, other factors such as access to high-quality childcare must be considered.

Socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in this decision. Families with higher incomes may be more inclined to opt for formal childcare facilities due to the high cost of such services. According to John Santrock in Life-Span Development, high-quality childcare includes a safe environment, age-appropriate activities and toys, and a low caregiver-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention (Santrock, 2018, p. 190). For families who can afford such care, daycare may provide a stimulating environment that supports the infant’s cognitive and social development.

The Role of Home Care and Parental Presence

Bowlby’s theory emphasizes the importance of having a consistent and responsive caregiver at home during the early stages of attachment development. For this reason, having a parent, whether the mother or father, at home can be particularly beneficial for the child. A nurturing home environment, free from conflict, where the caregiver is attuned to the child’s emotional needs, creates a secure attachment that fosters healthy emotional and social development. Research by Shpancer (2017) supports this by highlighting the influence of a stable home environment on a child’s development, pointing to factors like parental education, family income, and the psychological well-being of the caregiver as predictors of positive outcomes (Shpancer, 2017, para. 6).

In this context, home care with a parental figure could be the optimal arrangement for an 8-month-old, provided the family situation supports this. However, the needs of the child and family dynamics can vary. In some cases, the parent may not be able to stay at home due to work obligations, and in such situations, high-quality daycare could be an excellent alternative.

Combining Home Care and Formal Childcare

In my view, a balanced approach that incorporates both parental care and formal childcare is ideal. By maintaining a consistent schedule, the child benefits from the attachment formed with their primary caregiver while also gaining exposure to formal childcare environments. This mixture can prevent separation anxiety and provide the child with developmental opportunities in both settings. For instance, time at a daycare center can help infants learn to interact with peers and become comfortable in a group setting, while the care provided by a parent ensures strong emotional security.

Ultimately, there is no universally correct childcare arrangement. The decision depends on each family’s unique situation and what they believe is best for their child’s overall development.

References

Blossfeld, H. P., Kulic, N., Skopek, J., & Triventi, M. (2017). Childcare, early education and social inequality: An international perspective. Northhampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781786432094

Santrock, J. W. (2018). Life-span development. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.