I am expecting a baby in May. I also have two children ages 6 and 3. When I am off work for maternity leave I want to keep my older kids home most of the time so they don't feel neglected and to save money. But I would like to bring them to daycare a little bit so they don't get so nervous going back when I have to return to work. How many hours/day and days/week should I bring them to daycare?
2007-02-09 03:42:34 · 10 answers · asked by Steph 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I think the more time you can spend with them, the better! How about 10-12 hours a week in daycare? Perhaps from 8am-12am three times a week? This way you have time to rest, they have time to play, and all of you are happy?
2007-02-09 04:02:38 · answer #1 · answered by .vato. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would send them at least 2 days per week, or half days three days per week. Will your daycare provider allow this? Not all will let you reduce the hours or take them out completely and still hold their spots. Daycare providers depend on a solid income. Their bills (daycare centers or home providers) are the same regardless of if your child comes or not. If they will accommodate your desires, then certainly go for it and try to save money. Just don't expect them to. You should also use this time to bond with your new baby and catch up on sleep. If your children are well adjusted they will not feel neglected. Good luck to you and congratulations on your new baby.
2007-02-09 04:20:59 · answer #2 · answered by Swim Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few hours per day would be just fine at least 3 times a week. That or find out what your local school district offers. They often have classes all week long for stay at home parents to do with their children.
All 3 of mine went full time since 6 weeks old. If i could have cut that down by half- that woudl have been wonderful!
2007-02-09 04:12:12 · answer #3 · answered by glorymomof3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe ask the kids. A co-worker had a 3-year-old when her 2nd was born. She planned to keep him home, but had to keep paying to keep his spot open at the day care center. He started asking when he could go, as he missed playing with the other kids. So she took him a few partial days a week.
I don't blame you. Having a baby and getting little sleep is tiring and you just have hard time keeping up with the older kids.
2007-02-09 04:16:29 · answer #4 · answered by jboatright57 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would bring them 2 maybe three days. Maybe you can just start off with half days as well. Either way, I would start before the new baby comes along so they can get used to the routine. Good luck!
2007-02-09 03:46:14 · answer #5 · answered by tmac 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just a few days for a few hours... especially the three year old...they seem to be more timid after returning from breaks and stuff...
2007-02-09 03:46:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say just a couple of hours for a couple of days a week! (E.G. 3 hours on tues and thurs)
2007-02-09 04:21:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One day a week thats what we did with our son.
momof4
2007-02-09 04:03:40 · answer #8 · answered by mary3127 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very very good idea...i would say 3 days for half day..maybe starting around 8am or 9am and pick them up about 2pm...i should have taught about that when i had my daughter..
2007-02-09 03:53:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
As many as you can afford (LOL).
2007-02-09 03:46:10 · answer #10 · answered by judy f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋