I want to return to work but am a little worried about my 2.5 year old. He can handle being without me (in the daycare at the gym) but that is just for 1.5 hours. Any info on how kids who have been home for their 1st 2-3 years of life adjust to a daycare setting would be appreciated. I also have another son who is almost 4 but am not worried about his adjustment as much.
Hi L.,
I went back to work when my son was 2 and daughter was 4 and the 1st couple weeks were bad. The teachers said that they cried for a couple minutes and then they were fine. Now 1 year later, my son who is 3, is so outgoing because of it. I only wish that I put my daughter in sooner because she is much more timid than my son. If he is okay at the gym, I think he will be fine, because they have fun and are playing.
My son had a big adjustment with moving up here leaving everything he knew and then mommy going to work after a couple of months staying home for the adjustment. He cried when I took him to daycare for a week straight. The teachers said it was normal... of course I felt like a horrible mom... they said he would cry a couple of minutes and be fine... now a year later he loves school.. of course before that but he begs to go now. I think it is the best for them! Good luck!
Hi L.,
I worked from home with my daughter and son with me until my daughter was almost 2.5 yrs old and my son was 1yr. She has always been a little shy so putting her in daycare was great for her. She loved it. I started out with her going only 3 days a week mostly because I still wanted her home with me a couple days during the week but as I got busier it was obvious she was bored and would rather had been at school. So full time it was (until I recently lost my job -- now back to part time). My son started when he was about 1.5 yrs and he loves it too. They are learning more than I could teach them in my limited time and energy and are doing great with socializing. Even if I could afford to stay home, I'd still have them going 3 days a week for the socializing and great curriculum.
The hardest part will be the drop off during the first week and after that it gets much much easier for both of you.
One of the ladys that I work with who happens to be a friend of mine has a little boy who is just a little over 2 years old and she was a stay at home mom since he was born up until about 5-6 months ago. I remember when she first started she would come and tell me how it was hard to leave him and that he would cry and she would have to sneak out of the daycare room but...it only lasted about a week. Her son adjusted really quickly and now she says he doesn't want to leave when she comes to pick him up.
I know this isn't a first ahnd experience....I have always worked so my own grew up use to daycare, but I hope that it helps if you are perhaps hearing the same thing from other people too.
Good luck!
