PSYC 290 Week 2 Discussion: Development in Infancy

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-290 Lifespan Development

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 2 Discussion: Development in Infancy

Introduction

Choosing the right childcare arrangements for an 8-month-old infant is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Researchers like Ainsworth, Bowlby, and Harlow have all emphasized the importance of attachment in infancy, which plays a significant role in determining the best caregiving arrangements. While there is no universally correct choice, different family circumstances, including socioeconomic status and the quality of childcare, can guide this decision. This post will explore various childcare options, referencing relevant attachment theory and research to highlight the best choices for the child’s development.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Childcare

When making decisions about childcare, families need to consider several factors, such as their socioeconomic status and the quality of available childcare services. Research indicates that higher-income families are more likely to choose formal childcare arrangements because they have the financial means to access such services. However, high-quality childcare is not limited to affluent families. Quality childcare, as described by Santrock (2018), includes features such as a safe environment, access to age-appropriate toys and activities, and a low caregiver-to-child ratio that allows for individual attention. The availability of such services can make formal daycare a beneficial choice, as long as the family ensures the childcare facility meets these standards.

Attachment Theory and Home Care

Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that infants between 7 to 24 months are in a critical stage of attachment development, forming bonds with the primary caregivers they interact with most frequently (Santrock, 2018). In this context, having a consistent parental figure at home during this period can be highly beneficial for the child. An optimal home environment should be characterized by warmth, responsiveness, and minimal conflict. According to Shpancer (2017), factors such as the parents’ education, family income, and the mother’s psychological adjustment can all influence the quality of the home environment. If these factors are conducive to the child’s emotional well-being, staying at home with a parent may be the ideal arrangement.

The Ideal Childcare Arrangement

In my view, a combination of parental care and high-quality formal daycare is the most effective childcare arrangement. This balanced approach allows the infant to form secure attachments with a primary caregiver while also benefiting from the structured activities and socialization opportunities that formal childcare provides. This arrangement can reduce potential anxiety caused by prolonged separation from the primary caregiver, as it maintains consistency in the child’s environment. A reliable schedule that alternates between home and daycare settings would provide the infant with both emotional security and developmental benefits.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best childcare arrangement depends on each family’s unique circumstances. While the presence of a parent at home can offer numerous benefits in terms of attachment security, high-quality daycare can also be a valuable option for child development. By combining both parental care and structured childcare, families can support their child’s emotional and developmental needs in a balanced and effective manner.

References

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

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