March 28, 2007
A new study that followed children from birth until age 12 has found that those children who spend large amounts of time in child-care centers exhibit more behavior problems – such as aggression and disobedience – than other children.
The study is in the latest issue of the journal “child development.” Researchers say they noticed these problems at earlier ages, but expected them to disappear by the time the children were 11 or 12 years old. But they did not.
Children who spent large amounts of time in other setups, such as nanny care in their homes, or child-care homes supervised by family members were not affected.
Our culture has grown more complex, not only because of rampant divorce and living together, but because of our pursuit of material things in hope they will provide happiness and contentment. Anyone who has ever gone to an estate sale knows the end of that.
Children cannot be micro-waved. Like gourmet meals, they must be lovingly prepared for life with the right ingredients and the proper amount of time invested in them. That’s just a fact and this study is one of many, along with common sense, that proved it.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
