Putting Child in Daycare

You have had some great input so far, and I'd like to mention one thing. If you decide that you are interested to put Cassidy in any type of care now, rather than later, you need to start looking. The school year is about to begin, and you may have a difficult time finding a spot for her in your first choice. Many places have waiting lists, so if your first couple of choices aren't available, maybe you can keep things the way they are until something you really want opens up.

Good luck and keep a positive attitude about whatever you decide, because you're making the decision based on the best interests of Cassidy. :-)

J.

Hi N.,

I went through the same struggle with my two children (twins). There are pluses and minuses to your question. I think if you have someone who can watch them that you trust and love then I would keep Cassidy there until she is a bit older. My two (girl and boy) are almost 2 1/2 years old and not been to any type of daycare or mother's day out. They are really wanting to play with other children. I am going to get them in soon - either this fall or spring. I have watched them learn and grow in the past year and am glad I have waited. While they pick up good habits, they can also pick up bad habits. Daycare is not a bad option at all, and something that is a godsend to most people who have to use it. I would personally not take Cassidy to daycare until you need to or when she is 2 years old and older. I just really think God intended us to raise them as long as we can with family and when we need to do something different we do. If I weren't blessed with free childcare (my mom) I would be using daycare or mother's day out. Basically, if you are not sure and going back and forth on it - trust your gut - and wait a bit. Your daughter is still at the age of learning things that she needs to learn from her grandmother and you. The rest, ABC's and socializing, will come later no matter what. I think using the first two years to really get them mentally and emotionally healthy is the best way to go.

On another note, your daughter might absolutely love it! If you have a neat place that you trust and know she will be well taken care of - go for it. You'll know if she doesn't like it by her demeanor and new actions once she is going and you can always change your mind!

Pray about it and trust your gut. God gave us really good "mommy" instincts...if we are quiet enough to listen. :) You seem like a neat mom!

S.

N.~
I think that Cassidy is at a good age for you to try part-time daycare for her. I started my oldest DD at 14 1/2 months...she did wonderfully. We did have some days a while in that she cried when I started to leave....but the teachers were very, very good at distracting her. And they said before I could even get out of the building that she was already ok...tear-free & playing. I had to take her out at 21 months because I went on Maternity leave @ 8 months (Twins)...I stayed out until she was 27 months old.......It was sooo hard when she started back. She had terrible seperation anxiety. Again though, when I was no more than out of the building ...she was fine.
She has begun to learn so much more now....and she has her little friends. A little life of her own ya know? !! lol
Do start to look at places now..even if you plan to wait... Do your walk thrus and get all the paper work to read. Then, decide in a timely manner (depending on their wait list) and get your child on the list or if it is possible...put her in as soon as you think you can. Usually, once a spot fills it doesn't open too quickly again.
Best Wishes,
T.

I would go ahead and put her in. The older they are the harder it's going to be. My cousin's little boy is two and she stays at home with him. She is starting him in pre-school this fall and they had a day to go and play for 2 days and meet the other kids and teachers and they called her to come get him at 10am b/c he was crying so bad then told her she may not want to bring him back for the 2nd day. So the longer you wait the harder it is. It's good for kids to be around other kids their age to interact with.