For the first 6 months of Krue’s life I was blessed to stay home with him. During that time, I decided to take a semester off from school so when Christmas break rolled around I was able to have off for spring semester since Krue was due in February. He was born on February 16th (my original due date was February 28th). It didn’t make much sense for me to go back until the fall semester, which I did. However, although I was able to be with Krue for the first 6 months of his life, by the time it came for me to go back to school, I wasn’t ready to leave my baby. At first the plan was for me to find a trusted family or friend who could watch him but when that didn’t workout, I realized I would have to send him to daycare. This last resort was something that I really struggled with. I didn’t know how Krue would adapt and how he handle having to be a little more independent, but. mostly, I didn’t know how I would make it being away from him for so many hours each day. It was something I really struggled with and cried about. Although, I struggled with this decision, I, at least, had the opportunity to meet with his daycare owner before he was to start, allowing us to have some one on one time. She talked to me about my concerns, listened and was able to ease my worry. One of my biggest concerns was how Krue would do during nap time because I held him as he slept when he was home with me. She told me to give her two weeks and she would have him sleeping on his own and guess what, she did. Sending him to daycare was very challenging but after all of the worrying, it was extremely rewarding when I saw my son blossoming, immensely, from this experience. He became more independent and learned so many things from being around other kids; the structured routine and his daily interactions with other children were beneficial for his learning, development and socialization. Now at 18 months, I am at ease when taking Krue to daycare. The anxiety of trusting others with your child is normal and to be expected. What is most important is that you find the right fit for you and your child and give yourself time to adjust. Some tips for making the transition a little easier: ask for a one on one visit before your little one starts, this will give you an opportunity to watch the interaction between the daycare staff and your child, and ask lots of questions,. Once your child starts daycare don’t hesitate to do unannounced drop ins, call whenever you feel anxious and continue to ask lots of questions. As your little one settles in and you get more comfortable with this transition , all will be well. Lastly, be encouraged! This mommy responsibility is forever evolving! Remember, you got this and You’re doing great!
Share your thoughts: What are some of the things you look for in childcare including your requirements as your child gets older?? Please comment below!
This is sooo informative!! There are a lot of moms out there who are hesitant to allow their child to go daycare because they don’t trust childcare facilities but there are in fact good ones out there. It really is about finding the best fit for your little one. And it’s important to think about the needs of your child before your own. A toddler can really benefit from being in a classroom environment because they’re around children their age so that allows for them to build social skills. They’re also learning through play and experience! No parent should want to take that opportunity away from their child because it’s almost as if you’re interfering with their development. Don’t hesitate…
Very Important Blog. Thanks for sharing and being transparent as this has and is such a difficult decision for mommies. It is scary to have no choice but to place your child in someone else’s care! Mommies Rock; I love that you encourage affirm and encourage moms in all of your blogs. I totally agree that what matters most is what works for each mom! Again, thanks for sharing!