is it okay to take my 18 month old to a daycare partime?

Question

i really dont want to because ive heard so many bad things about daycares but shes an only child and she needs to be around other kids. my husband will be working days and so will i and i want us to be together at night anyway. i always get out of work at 2 in the afternoon so its not like shell be there for a long time, i only work partime. but i just hate knowing someone eles will be changing her diseplining her. im just not sure about daycare but i know there are some great ones out there.

Answer 1

Not only ok, but essential to her well being. Drop her off and run! Dont think you have to be the only one telling her what she can and cant do. She is going to start school someday and if you dont want her kindergarten teacher to loath your very existance then you better get that child into some structured learning situations, such as daycare. Dont fret over the horror stories, i have two kids who have been in daycare since they were 2 months old and no harm has come to either one of them. Check out the daycare first if your a little wary. Most have cameras in all the rooms now and even on the playground. Walk in unnanounced whenever you want. You are paying them, dont forget, they are on YOUR payroll, so they better comply by your rules. Get away and get some me time. I used to drop mine off sometimes even when i wasnt working, just so i could go home and sleep for three hours, or go to the grocery store by myself! Dont feel like you are betraying your daughter or being a bad mom and shirking your duties. Your job as a mom lasts 24/7, you d a m n sure need some r&r time now and then.

Answer 2

Yes, it is okay. I work at a daycare but I am considered a "teacher" and make teachers wage blah blah blah, I just want you to understand I know what im talking about. Anyway, there are many many good things about a child going into daycare and few bad things. The bad things are your child is more likely to get sick with colds and whatnot, and that is the age where the kids learn biting, pinching and hitting. But with proper care the kids learn that those things are not okay and the kid learns how to deal with other kids and themselves in those situations. Also if you can find one, try to find a daycare with a program, not just a house down the street with some lady that watches a couple kids everyday. Find a place with certified teachers and different age group classes. The daycare I work at have different classrooms for each class starting from birth until 4 years old and then they start real school. A lot of parents are usually unsure about the child starting daycare but in they end they realize how much their child is learning and growing. Sorry if I was going on and on but I cant say enough about how good a daycare is for a child. Please put it into consideration.

Answer 3

Yes, it's definitely okay to put your child in daycare. I would, first, observe the daycare, meet the teachers, make sure its validated, has all the codes, health regulations, etc.

I think it's good that you're also only doing this for a few hours at a time. This is a good way for socializing for your child and for you to get out and feel productive. You're obviously a concerned parent and that's what matters.

As for disciplining your child, I'd talk to the care givers and see what they're rules are and if you like them or not. Most do not do physical punishments (are not supposed to, at least) so, this is a good change.

Again, go and observe the daycare, see if your child is having fun and if you like it (looks clean, the kids seem healthy and are happy, etc). Good luck and enjoy this new stage in your life!

Answer 4

It is more than okay. Especially if it is only part-time. Daycare is an important part of growing up where children learn how to socialize as well as share, cooperate, etc. I was in preschool when I was about 18 months old, also part-time and I am friends with some of the people from that daycare to this day... 25 years later. In fact one of them is still my best friend.

Answer 5

listen hunny in a perfect world all of us moms could stay at home with our children untill they were in school full time at which point our day would focus on us having the cookies and milk fresh when they walked in the door from school every day but hmmmmm reality check we cant all do that. You sound pretty reasonable to me from your question let me tell you, she is already ahead of alot of kids, she had you for the first 18 months. You need to find a center that you feel comfortable wit. Research it as much as possible, get names from friends relatives, co-workers etc, go visit the center once either just you or you and hubby. if you like it then go back with your child, go into the room see the caregivers inthe room react with your child. it may be overwhelming for your daughter, dont object just because she was crying or seemed scared. base it on your gut reaction as a mom and how the caregivers reacted. if you are diligent about choosing the daycare and you are comfortable with it, your daughter will pick up on that, and feed off of it. when you do enroll her dont sit and act upset at drop off (I'm sorry sweetie I dont wanna leave you blah blah blah) that will project onto her that your unsure about the center and that she should be also. feel free to send me a message if you like.this is my area of expertise

Answer 6

I know how tough it is. When my son was 1 yr. I needed to go back to work. You should really do some backround checks on what ever places you are considering. Speak to some of their current clients. You are right to consider her social skills. It would be great if you could ask a family member to help out. Good luck with your decission.

Answer 7

You are right, she needs the interaction with kids her own age. They are not all bad. Just choose carefully and everything will be okay, you can find one that fits you.....

Answer 8

Yes and No. It depends on your obligation and what your trying to accomplish. It is done quite often!

Answer 9

yes, it should be OK, provided the day care centre is a good one.

Answer 10

this is why i don't want to have kids right now. i don't want someone else to be raising my child.