Looking for Suggestions on How to Handle Child Going into Daycare

I am a full time working mom and worked full time prior to having my son. He went into childcare (home daycare) at 6 wks old, and moved to regular daycare at 1 1/2 old. He is now almost 3 and is at an academy in Plano. He loves going to school everday and alot of times it takes me forever in the afternoon to get him to leave. It will probably take a few days for you and your child to get used to daycare, but it will subside quickly, especially if you have found a place you like and you are comfortable with. When I moved him from his last daycare to the academy he is at now, I took him for a trial day and I was going to stay until he was comfortable. He forgot I was even there and I was able to leave after 20 mins. Daycare will definitely enhance their social skills and they really seem to enjoy being around the other children.

I am a speech pathologist and work with children ages two through five. I have seen plenty of parents go through his when they send thier kids to preschool and I promise, it's harder on you than it is on the child. Your son may find it daunting the first few days or even the first couple of weeks, but if you really found a great place he'll love it and really come out learning and growing so much more with the peer interaction and new experiences he will get in the daycare. So please don't feel guilty- I really think it's the best thing for kids to go to "school" at least part-time if they have a chance!

Trust me, the first week will probably be hard for you and your child. But if you suck it up and not cry in frount of your baby, that will help him/her have alittle better ease when you leave. Once they get used to their new school, they will love it (if its the right school).

Good luck! and don't feel bad, we all cried. Heck I still cry when I go to my 10 year old sons plays, etc... To just recognize that he is growing up makes me sad.

Kristie

I'm sorry to take so long to reply. I've saved your message since you sent it and meant to reply nearly every day since.

I have two kids in full-time day care (10 months and 3 1/2) so I understand the emotions you are going through. The main thing I would say is that once your son is in 'school' for awhile you will see how he benefits and it will get easier on you. My sons love school and I have really seen results in the way they play, share, talk, learn. They are friendly, polite, outgoing kids and I believe a lot of that has been the influence of school. Granted, there are still days when one or the other (hopefully not both) doesn't want to go or is upset when they are dropped off but those pass.

All that said I would stay home with them if I could. That just isn't my current situation. I remind myself that I am providing well for them, keeping them healthy with the benefits I am alotted and being a good role model. That doesn't depend on where you are, just who you are.

Good luck!

It will be very hard on you, and probably hard on him at first, but he will begin to enjoy playing with his friends each day and it will get easier. My son has been in daycare since he was 8 weeks old. I cried the first few days, but now he is 15 months old and he loves to see his friends at school. I still feel guilty, though - that's something that is just ingrained in us, I guess.

Hi S.,
I have two boys, one soon to be 9 and the other 4. My guilt is still with me as I have been a FT working mom as well. What carries me through it the big hugs,kisses and smiles you get when you pick them up from day care. My perspective is this is the begining of your child developmening skills with others. The socialization, perspectives of others to help thier self esteem and hels them experience life out side of the home. I push myself to empower my children to experience as much on thier own to feel good about themselves (I'm always on the sideline watching and ready to jump in if needed...they know that). Try and look at this from your childs perspective...they no only the life you create for them....if they feel secure and no you will return and feel safe then they will fly. Hope this helps. You know you are a loving,caring and supportive mom...your child does too!
D.