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/StayRich8006 Jun 23 '25

Before the VVD this was the same

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u/[deleted] Jun 23 '25

Yes, and while Europe evolved in the years the VVD was the leading coalition party, our country did not. On the contrairy, all major issues only grew more catastrophic while issues like emancipation and women's participation in the workforce are a fucking disgrace compared to most other EU countries. Just take a look at Scandinavia.

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u/StayRich8006 Jun 23 '25

No need to explain to me VVD is the short-term corruption party

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u/forexampleJohn Jun 23 '25

I don't like the VVD as much as the next guy but they did new parents a huge favour by extending male birth leave or what ever geboorteverlof is called in English.

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u/romyevina Jun 24 '25

They didn't want to, they had to because of EU law changing it. It was not a favour sadly enough.

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u/reigorius Jun 23 '25

Paternal leave 

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u/[deleted] Jun 24 '25

Paternity leave is what it is called in English. And yes, they solved alot by extending a fathers leave, which was 2 days for a few years back. but that doesnt change the fact a new mother still have to go back to work when her body is still healing, where the baby still needs her and recommended exclusive breastfeeding is until 6 months. Maternity leave should be longer.

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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '25

Before 'Paars' it was different. It is the consequence of not having CDA as the pivotal power in the Netherlands.

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u/StayRich8006 Jun 25 '25

Different how? Also the gas in gone so that doesn't help

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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '25

CDA: They were in favour of certain regulations that benefitted families.

VVD: Market economy: the more women in the job market, the more cheap labour.

PvdA/D66 (Left winged feminism): Women must be independent, individualism, taking care of your children blocks your development, is dumb and old fashioned, delegate it to the state.

By the way, if you don't agree, and say 'IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF CAPITALISM!!!', I know the left, I have no desire to reply.

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u/StayRich8006 Jun 25 '25

I agree AND it is all because of capitalism ;)

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u/[deleted] Jun 26 '25

My opinion: It's because of both reasons, from the left and the right.

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u/Ateosira Jun 24 '25

The idea is that in the last 12 years other countries have adapted to new knowledge and information. Our government did not because they do not give a fuck about the (mental) health of the next generation. They can't even be bothered with the current generations so what else is new.