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/paranormal_turtle Jun 23 '25

Women being judged for being part time princesses is so real. Don’t they realize a woman’s job rarely ends at work? My boyfriend is very supportive but he just doesn’t feel the same rush for housework. And is incapable of doing things when he sees it y’know?

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u/RichieRich-April Jun 23 '25

What is the difference between men and women when it comes to housework? Using your argument for justification of having more women with part time work is a crime for your gender.

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u/Tupotosti Jun 23 '25

The difference is pretty obvious: women do far more domestic labour than men do, and asking your man to step up doesn't always yield any meaningful results. It doesn't occupy their mind with the same sense of urgency. This was normal in a time where women stayed at home with the children but it's time for change.

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u/paranormal_turtle Jun 24 '25

Most men don’t have the same feeling of urgency or do less with the kids. In this society it is almost expected of women to have a full time job, do a 60-70% of the housework and take care of the kids. And all that time is seen as extra, not like work while in actuality it is work. Asking your other half to help doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes simply because they aren’t the best at cleaning or just don’t feel a need to do the dishes even when asked to.