Arguments, pushing, shoving and biting are familiar to parents whose children are in day care. Parents like Francis Starr, who has seen her son, Jordan, change from shy to aggressive. An ongoing study by the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development reported that day care can change some children. Seventeen percent of kids who spent 30 hours a week or more in day care showed higher levels of aggression, cruelty, and sadness. Psychologist Dr. June Kaufman says, not necessarily.
Children have to adjust to other children, and learn how to stand up for themselves.
Dr. Kaufman says the real issue is the quality of the day care center. And she urges parents to observe. I think a good quality day care will help socialize children and help them resolve conflicts and help them deal with their peers better ultimately. More and more children are spending time in day care. According to the National Network for Child Care, children aren't born aggressive, they learn it.