In our case I had to put Cam in to childcare for 2 days a week from when he was about 10.5months - and it was really hard to leave him there at first. But in time I saw how much fun he had (especially from when I'd go to pick him up....he wouldn't want to leave). When I went on maternity leave for Josh I considered taking him out - but once again thought he was having so much fun with his little friends (plus I knew he'd have to go back to when I returned to work a year later - so didn't want to have to start all over again with the separation - it was challenging enough after the 4 weeks off that he had). Then this year I was going to change so that he (and Josh) only went 1 of the 3 days I work (my mum to look after them the other days) - but the week before it was to change I realised how much he'd miss his little friends - the morning we got there Cam went over to comfort one of his little friends and my heart just melted. Even when we get in the car to go to 'school' - he always says...' "we going to see 'insert names x 2 or 3". He does get a little upset at drop off sometimes still though (only started mid last year and its only half the time)- and usually has to be cuddled - but they've all said he settles by the time I'm at the front door) - yet on the flip side - at pick up I still struggle to get him to stop playing and come home (I've even had to bribe him with a little treat for when he gets home )
And its for these reasons that makes me realise I've done the right thing for his needs (in our case) by having him continue childcare while I wasn't working and not changing the days down to 1.
We too didn't have a mothers group - we did for the first year - but was hard after that as most went back to work and there was not a day that everyone could do - so it fizzled out. So childcare gives him/them (still waiting for a position for Josh in the nursery) the social and educational needs I can't provide (plus the care I also need of course).
Can you start with just 1 or 2 days and see how it goes? And then build to 4 or 5 later in the year (so that it might make it that little bit easier to transition to school next year).
As for carers - hopefully you'll find somewhere that just feels right. Thats how I felt (and still feel) about ours - the carers are nice - always happy to cuddle Cam when I have to leave (I try to stay as long as possible until he is happily playing or that his friends have arrived) and we've never had any issues with them. Most of them are parents themselves too which helped me too.
I do know of 1 up your way (its in Waterford) which my best friend works at - and I have met some of their staff (including the director) a couple of years ago and found they are nice and seemed experienced (the ones I've met have children)...I can PM you if you'd like the details.
If you do decide to continue in finding a childcare/kindy for Moo I hope you can find something that suits you all and then in time you'll get to see how much fun and the new friendships he forms whilst there - like what I see and its that which will make it seem all the more worthwhile. And if it doesn't all work out...nothing is stopping you from taking him out...but at least you know then if he (and you) were ready.
Good on you for having a look around today . You could always set yourself a goal and "trial" M for a couple of sessions before deciding to definitely send him. I reckon it will help make your mind up either way. If he's having a wonderful time, then you'll know . I found the first one or two times a bit sad when dropping J and K off, but after that I just enjoy the one on one time I get with DD. It's so quiet!
We're in the same boat here. Its taken weeks to even get the courage to do the ring around, and even then DH had to do it cause I just didn't have the courage to do it!
We went today as well. We actually went to a preschool where DD1's friend goes. And we went today because today is one that girl's preschool days. When we turned up we did the usual chat with director, then once we went outside, and DD1 found her friend. It felt so right. We really felt comfortable with the centre, they all seemed nice, all of the kids were calmly playing, and it felt like one big family. It was nice.
I still don't want to send her, but I am feeling so confident that she has a friend there already, and DD1 will go on one of her friend's preschool days. I feel good about this, I know she has a familiar face there, who will look after her. And after today I know she will!
DD1 cried today too when we left, she wasnt ready to go.
Boomba, I know exactly where you are at. Im glad you found a nice place today too! Have you thought about taking him to a centre where maybe one of his friends already goes. I know that made my nerves settle lots!
You know where to find me if you want to chat!
how old is he ?
C&K kindergarten takes kids from 3.5 for 5 day fornights 9 - 2. 30 nix goes as a pre prepper . and gabbi will be going from 3.5 so she will have 2 years there , its a "school" not a day care , they are partially funded by the goverment and are just wonderful ... !!
Boomba
(I've even had to bribe him with a little treat for when he gets home
)
).
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