Is it a bood/bad thing to enrol kids at two different day care?

[GCDollar]

My son just turned 19 months and has started going to day care center since he's 9 month's old. The day care is a bit expensive, but it was the only one available near our place. A couple of weeks ago, the other center called me about one vacancy coming up, that's today. They are cheaper than the other center, plus they offer all the food. So I quickly enrolled my son there as their waiting list is long.

A few minutes ago, the teacher called me telling me that an older kid just pushed mine. My son fell, got a bump on his head and his nose bled. I feel bad about taking him to the new kindy. Have I been selfish? Has anyone's kids going to two different day cares too? Is it bad or good? Any suggestion is appreciated.

[Erin_25]

Hi, It's not a good feeling when they get hurt is it especially if they have just started there, however as long as it is a once off and doesn't happen often he should be fine. I'm confused however as to why he's now going to two? are you now going to stop his place at the other centre in favor of the cheaper place you wanted to be in. It all depends on what you can afford, the place he's been in for ten months and prob well settled, can you still afford it? is it still a good place, it could be better to just leave be if he is happy.
I wouldn't myself be going between the two, as then you need two lots of all those things that you leave there and you could really confuse him.

[MamaPan]

I wouldnt worry too much re the 'injury' as long as it is a once off - happens whenever you have lots of kids together and just bad luck it happened when he just started...
that aside - personbally i would go with one centre only - less confusion for everyone... so i guess you need to weigh up which ones are best for you all together (cost, location, your son etc) and then just go with that?

[AnyDream]

I don't think it matters having more than one day care centre, but you do have to be happy with the services your child is going to.

My DD goes to 2 different carers, just because the main carer doesn't (and has never had) the day I need available. She is perfectly happy at each place. We did have a failed attempt to put her in a childcare centre on that day (I thought it was a good back up plan for if our main carer is ever unwell, etc) BUT she hated it. I knew immediately, but persevered for 2 or 3 weeks and during that time she just got unhappier and unhappier - she was more fearful and clingy at home etc too.

To be honest, the accident/incident might've happened at your other kindy too, so unless it's part of a pattern of events I wouldn't worry about it too much. BUT you might like to spend a bit of extra time at the new CC, observe what they do and how happy your DS is there, and decide for yourself if you think it's an appropriate place for your son.

[GCDollar]

Thank you all for the replies.

The reason I sent him to the second day care is the cost. Because it's cheaper and includes food, it's hard to get a spot. I've been on their waiting list even before bub was born. The first day care wasn't my first choice, but he's been there long enough and he's pretty settled there. Now he has to go through the phase again. I feel guilty to put him in this situation. But as you said, as long as it's once off, i shouldn't be worried. He only goes there once a week and three days in the first day care. So I think he can take the second one as just another place to play.
Eventually, I will choose one center so I will see he's happy in the second day care first. Hopefully he will be, so it can save me a bit.
Thanks again for all your advice.

[CrazyLady]

I think no matter where you put your child there is bound to be random accidents. Kids are kids and hit, bite, kick etc. As long as the carers are doing something about the incidents then it's okay. They notified you and presume they will take action against the child. I wouldn't feel bad for having 2 daycare enrolments.

[GCDollar]

Thank you.