In many households today, both parents work full time, and as a result young children spend much of the day in nurseries or with childminders. Although this arrangement has some drawbacks, I believe its advantages generally outweigh them, provided that the childcare is of good quality.
The most obvious advantage is financial. Two incomes allow many families to afford secure housing, a healthy diet and activities for their children, and they reduce the risk of hardship if one parent loses a job. Working also allows both parents, and especially mothers, to continue their careers rather than sacrificing years of experience and progress. For children themselves, good childcare can be beneficial. In a well-run nursery, they mix with other children, learn to share and take turns, and take part in structured activities that prepare them for school. A child who has spent time in such a setting often finds the first day of school far less daunting.
There are, however, real disadvantages. Parents who work long hours may have limited energy for their children in the evenings, and they may miss important moments in their early development. Some young children, especially babies, can find long days away from home tiring or distressing. Moreover, childcare is expensive in many places, so a large part of the second income may be spent on fees. Where childcare is poor, with too many children for each carer, the experience may do more harm than good.
On balance, I believe the benefits are greater, because financial security and early social learning matter a great deal to a child's future. However, parents can reduce the drawbacks by choosing childcare carefully and protecting family time at weekends and in the evenings, and employers can help by offering flexible working hours.