The author reflects on the problem of nurseries which is at present discussed in Germany by famous paediatricians representing two diferent currents of opinion. The arguments of both parts are critically evaluated from the aspect of contemporary developmental psychology, social psychology of childhood and modem evolutionary theory. The author mentions specific characteristics of developmental stages of the toddler and preschool child. Doubts are expressed on the statement of greater intellectual maturity and advantages of greater aggressiveness of nursey children as compared with those raised in families ohly.

        Key words: nursery, developmental psychology, social psychology, childhood, developmental characteristics of the toddler and preschool child in nurseries