I need to go back to work full time but I am terrified to put my son in Daycare?

Question

My son is 23 months old and goes to my dads one day per week and my mother in law's 2 days per week. I will have to put him in daycare on Mondays and Tuesdays to go back to work full time and I am so nervous to do that, but I need to start making more money to help out. Any soothing suggestions for me and leaving him at a place I dont know?

Answer 1

I was terrified to do the same but I knew I had no choice if I wanted to survive. I have chosen a Lutheran Church and School to care for her. They are very loving/understanding people. I suggest taking the time if you can to sit in on a couple hours with the daycare to see how it is. You'll know once you meet the people if you'll like them or not.

Answer 2

I think its sweet that you're nervous like this. It shows the attachment and protectiveness you have towards your baby. I remember when my baby sister (she's 15 yrs younger than me) first went to daycare. I was so worried about her while I was at school, and I kept checking the time to see if she would already be home. I didn't know why my older sister wouldn't just stay home and take care of her for a couple hours in the morning instead of going to work. However, my fears were calmed when I realized that she was having fun. She got to be around a lot of children her age, which isn't normal for her since we're all so much older than her. She started to learn to do new movements and to say new words very fast. Her personality began to show. I knew she was having fun, and the teachers were very nice to her.

Nothing can erase a mother's nervousness of leaving their child in an unfamiliar place. Its a natural, loving instinct. I'd say, spend the first hour or so with him there, and you'll see how he interacts with others, what its like in the daycare, etc, and you'll probably start to feel more comfortable around it. He will cry when you leave at first, but within a few days/weeks, he will stop, and you'll stop being nervous too.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I am so there with you. I was a daycare provider for a long time. I really suggest you interview the place you take him carefully...take him there a couple times, visit with other parents, ask for references. I would even put a ad in craigslist asking parents about a certain daycare or one they suggest.

There are some wonderful places out there with people who truly love children, who are there for the right reasons. Unfortunately, there can also be people that are their for a paycheck.

I understand money is always a stress-er, but I recommend that you do not chose a daycare provider solely on cost...weigh all the option...education (and trust me, just because they are educated does not mean they know what they are doing), experience, activities, child ratio, cleanliness...really my biggest factor is the way it feels to me...

I now run my own daycare and I am very, very strict on who works for me, and also the other children I allow in my business. I love children tremendously, but I refuse to allow abusive children in a situation where they could harm other children.

Take your time, and the right one will reveal itself to you

Good Luck!

Answer 4

do your research into the daycares in your area. How qualified are the teachers? what is the ratio of teacher-child. What kind of activities will they be doing? It is perfectly fine to put your son into daycare two days a week. It is a great learning environment for him. He's 23 months, so he's mobile and can do simple artsy activities, maybe sit for storytime. Your child will NOT be scarred for life and wind up a janitor (like some smart a$$ indicated) Putting him in childcare for two days is a good thing - he'll make friends and interract with others and end up to be a very sociable child. Not to mention that preschool gets kids ready for kindergarten.

Answer 5

Depending on the area in which you live, you will likely have several types of daycare situations to choose from, such as care in someone's home, a daycare center, or having someone come to your home. One of the things you can do to put your mind at ease is learn everything you can about the places you are considering sending your son. Visit several times, ask questions, request references from current and past daycare families, contact your state's daycare licensing agency to get a report on the home or center. There are numerous excellent child care providers who love the children they care for and provide a safe, nurturing environment. Unfortunately it is only the bad ones who make national news headlines. Each daycare home and center offers programming and benefits unique to itself. Learn about each one to help you choose the one that best fits your needs and your son's needs. We are often scared of the things we can't control. What you can control is choosing a place you feel comfortable leaving your son. Trust your mother's instinct. If you have any qualms about a particular home or center, than move on to interview at the next one. I think you will feel better when you find "the place" that you know is just right for your family.

Answer 6

Ask your friends with kids for their suggestions. See if any of them can refer you to a daycare provider. ASK the provider for references, and check up on them. And -- on a random day -- bring your child to daycare and stay there the entire day simply to observe how they take care of the children.

I might warn you, though... a lot of daycares will require your child attend (and you pay for) a minimum amount of hours each week. It depends on the laws in your state, but most daycares only have a certain number of children that they are allowed to take care of. For example, I was required to have my son go to daycare 30 hours a week minimum (was in the contract) even though I only worked 26-28 hours a week. But still had to pay for the extra hours.

I wish you the best of luck with this --- I really do understand what you're going through. If you live in or near a college, you might consider posting a notice on the college bulletin board that you're looking for someone. Just remember to get (and check!) all of their references!

Good luck hon!

Answer 7

Check out more than one and go with your gut instinct. I had to put my daughter in daycare at 3 months and it killed me, I talked to a lot of people and trusted my instincts, I took my husband with me to the home of the lady I liked the best and we both had a good feeling, and she was a wonderful babysitter. It was a home daycare, I became a stay at home mom after our second child was born. Daycare can be great for kids if you find the right one. My daughter loved going there and she went until she was almost 2. It will be ok, kids adapt much faster than we as parents do.

Answer 8

He will be fine! Don't your daycare centres get inspected by the government? If so , you should have access to the reports. Ask other mums in the area if they can recommend one. Visit them, check the place out, top to bottom, ask questions about food, behaviour policies, starting toilet training which will help you out a lot as I am sure you son is due to start trying, check the hygiene of the place, to this end, just knock on the doors to the place and ask to be shown around. Don't book an appointment. Good luck with your job.

Answer 9

i was always afraid of that also, which is very normal, because you dont know the ppl that are caring for your child, i just chose to stay home until my kids go to school...but i understand what you mean, you feel the need to help out :) if i were you, i would just look into them all...find the daycares in your area, talk with the ppl and get a good look on how things are handled there, see how they take care of the children already attending!...i think that would be the best thing to do, i think you would know if you feel comfortable with the ppl working there!...everything will be okay!!

Answer 10

At his age he will probably love it. He will get to play with other kids his age and if its a good daycare there will be plenty of activities. Research the daycares as much as possible, find out about types of physical and educational activities they offer, make sure they have a schedule of events for each day. Drop in unexpectedly and observe the children if they seem happy and busy. Good luck!!