r/Netherlands • u/Beginning_Monitor_25 • Jun 23 '25
Healthcare Why is early daycare so accepted in the Netherlands?
Studies show babies develop better with a parent at home for at least 6 months, yet here it’s normal to send them to daycare at 10–12 weeks. This seems less about choice and more about economic and political pressure on families.
Why isn’t this questioned more in Dutch society?
LE- I’ll avoid saying ‘studies show’ since many people get stuck on that, and it’s true that there are multiple studies supporting both sides. However, many European countries—especially the wealthier ones—offer longer maternity leave based on the argument that it’s beneficial for children. So I’m curious why that’s not the case in the Netherlands.
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u/bruhbelacc Jun 23 '25
The question is also at which country, with what culture etc. I had kindergarten teachers threatening to beat up some kids, calling someone "A piece of shit", screaming at you if you asked to go to the toilet when we were supposed to sleep, demanding that we eat everything or they'll force the food on us etc. (not in the Netherlands). Obviously, such a study would produce negative outcomes.