A good deal of attention has focused in the media recently on today's childhood. In one corner are those who fondly remember when children played football and other games safely in the street, and there was not a computer or Playstation to be had. In the opposing corner are those who recall only the deprivation experienced in the past, and have no wish to return to the good old days.
Other things being considered under the heading of 'toxic childhood'
include the re-emergence of 'old-fashioned' disciplinary systems, as exemplified in TV programmes like 'Supernanny' and 'House of Tiny Tearaways'. Aimed at the domestic market, these offer advice on regimes which, thankfully, could never be tolerated in the childcare sector.
In my opinion, however, each of these examples misses the point as to whether children are actually allowed to enjoy childhood.
The real question is not whether football in the street is better or worse than the pursuits new technology provides, or what type of disciplinary structure you choose, but whether children are over-protected from the ordinary 'rough and tumble' of life.
In the case of general nursery care, this can, and frequently does, lead to a mismatch of expectation between providers and parents. For example, those involved in the early years will appreciate how walking, running and climbing are essential elements in simply growing up. However, these activities can be fraught with difficulties for nursery providers if they result in so much as the smallest scratch or mark on a child.
Further still, health and safety legislation has taken 'protection' to such lengths that many providers find it difficult, if not impossible, to provide sensible developmental equipment for children that encourages adventure, for fear of financial or even criminal sanctions.
In a no-win, no-fee culture, parents are too quick to attack those in the nursery workforce, especially in the private sector, if any accident happens to children while in their care. They seem unable to stop and reflect on accidents that occur at home when children push their boundaries too far, and when a comforting kiss or hug proves an acceptable solution to a small cut or bruise. It would be nice if nursery staff could also enjoy such a privilege.
Alan Bentley is chairman of the Childcare Corporation
