The Truth About Daycare, ADHD, and Attachment Issues

Summary

In this episode of the Growth Lab podcast, Dr. Josh Axe discusses the effects of daycare on childhood development with Dr. Erica Comar. They explore how extended daycare hours can lead to behavioral issues and ADHD in young children due to stress and lack of parental connection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of secure attachment and suggests alternatives to daycare, such as parental care, family involvement, and trusted nannies, to foster a healthy childhood. The discussion also touches on the societal shift towards materialism and the impact of daycare on family dynamics.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The script discusses the potential negative impacts of daycare on young children's development, particularly under the age of three.
• 🚫 Longer periods away from parents can increase the risk of children developing aggressive behaviors or ADHD due to stress.
• 🌟 ADHD is viewed not as a disorder but as a symptom of stress in children, with some advocating to remove 'disorder' from its name.
• 🔍 A study is mentioned that correlates increased daycare hours with a higher chance of developing behavioral issues or attentional problems.
• 👶 The first three years of a child's life are crucial for attachment formation, with the most sensitivity between one and three years old.
• 👩‍🏫 The script suggests that daycare is often a necessity for parents' work, not for the child's benefit, and can lead to a lack of emotional refueling.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental care, especially during the first three years, is ideal for a child's development, with the next best options being grandparents, a trusted nanny, or a double-duty caregiver.
• 🏡 Daycare should be a last resort, and if necessary, parents should seek facilities with the lowest caregiver-to-child ratios to minimize stress.
• 💊 For children diagnosed with ADHD, the script encourages natural approaches like dietary changes and one-on-one interaction over medication.
• 🌱 The importance of understanding the trade-offs of daycare is emphasized to make wise decisions for a child's upbringing and mental health.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the Growth Lab podcast episode featuring Dr. Erica Comar?

The main topic discussed is the impact of daycare on childhood development, focusing on how extended periods in daycare can potentially lead to behavioral problems or ADHD in young children.

According to the podcast, why is ADHD often misdiagnosed in young children who spend long hours in daycare?

ADHD is often misdiagnosed because it can be a symptom of stress in children, not necessarily a disorder. The stress response in the brain due to cortisol can mimic ADHD symptoms, which are more accurately described as a 'flight' response.

What does the term 'fight or flight' signify in the context of the podcast?

In the context of the podcast, 'fight or flight' refers to the body's stress response that can lead to aggressive behaviors or ADHD-like symptoms in children who are under stress, particularly those who are in daycare for extended periods.

What is the correlation mentioned between daycare and the development of aggressive behaviors or attentional issues in children?

The correlation mentioned is that the more hours children spend in daycare per day, the greater the chance they develop aggressive behavioral problems or attentional issues, such as ADHD.

What is the significance of the oxytocin release mentioned in the podcast?

The oxytocin release is significant because it occurs when children are with their parents, providing a sense of security and safety that helps keep stress hormones like cortisol down, which is important for preventing stress-related issues.

Why does the podcast suggest that shorter periods away from the child might be better than longer periods?

Shorter periods away from the child are suggested to be better because it's likened to holding one's breath underwater; children 'hold their breath' until the parent returns, which is less stressful than longer durations of separation.

What historical context is provided regarding the rise in daycare usage?

The rise in daycare usage is historically contextualized by the push for women to enter the workplace in the 1970s and the baby boomer generation in the 1980s, leading to a significant increase in nonparental care arrangements.

What are the two main problems associated with daycare at a very young age as discussed in the podcast?

The two main problems associated with daycare at a very young age are insecure attachment between the mother and child, and attention deficit-related disorders.

What does the term 'emotional refueling' refer to in the context of the podcast?

In the context of the podcast, 'emotional refueling' refers to the process where children, especially those under three, need reassurance and emotional connection with their primary attachment figure to build resilience and courage to explore the world.

What are the suggested solutions for creating connectivity with children if daycare is necessary?

The suggested solutions include spending quality time with the child outside of daycare, playing with them, reading to them, and considering natural approaches like supplements, dietary changes, and therapy if a child is diagnosed with ADHD.