I'm torn as to what to do!! Help me decide.

[skybie]

we started DD1 in CC for a half day a week and increased it to a full day b4 DD2 was born.
it is hard but they grow such a strong bond with their carers that a hug from them will suffice. and TBH i dnt think they cry/whinge nearly as much when we arent around. i got called in early one day because DD1 jumped off some equiptment and hurt her ankle and it was swelling, i was talking to the receptionist b4 i picked her up and asked if she was crying (to asses how badly she was hurting, because she only cries when shes REALLY hurt herself) and she said she cried for about a minute but then stopped, but as soon as i walked into her room she fully started crying and carrying on like a pork chop! little devil.
its honestly harder on us than it is on them

[Shanti]

we started DD1 in CC for a half day a week and increased it to a full day b4 DD2 was born.
it is hard but they grow such a strong bond with their carers that a hug from them will suffice. and TBH i dnt think they cry/whinge nearly as much when we arent around. i got called in early one day because DD1 jumped off some equiptment and hurt her ankle and it was swelling, i was talking to the receptionist b4 i picked her up and asked if she was crying (to asses how badly she was hurting, because she only cries when shes REALLY hurt herself) and she said she cried for about a minute but then stopped, but as soon as i walked into her room she fully started crying and carrying on like a pork chop! little devil.
its honestly harder on us than it is on them

hehe so true!! They do like to turn it up a notch for us Mummy's don't they!!

[Shanti]

Sorry Mods, just noticed I should have posted in the 'childcare, kindergarten' section- please feel free to move this thread over.

[RockingBaker]

I would do it before #2 is born. Makes it not related to bub and gives you the opportunity to help her better transition. The first day you can go with her and stay for a while to help your DD adjust. The following week you stay for less time and continue until it becomes just a simple drop off. It helps incase she is anxious.
HTH

[Arimeh]

Yeah I'd do it before bub comes too - just so she doesn't feel that you are shoving her aside with strangers so you can spend time with the new baby - ITMS?

DS goes 2 days a week, and DD1 goes one day a week - and believe me - I love my Fridays alone with DD2 so very much...

[Beautitude]

We actually did it the other way around. Mainly because DH wasnt very keen on ds going to child care but since ds2 was born he has spent alot more time at home and has seen how hard it is to have two little people at home so has agreed to have ds1 go to care for a day a week. DS1 is having his first full day tomorrow (wish me luck) and he is alot like your dd, very independant and outgoing etc. Ds2 is 3 months old now so we waited a little while so he didnt get the association between new baby = child care. He had two visits at the child care last week and it went great and im happy i did it this way as i got to spend all that precious one on one time with ds before ds2 came along. In saying that however I would have liked some time to myself when pregnant. Good luck with your decision, its so hard sending your little one to care for the first time. I have the tissues ready for tomorrow!

[Sterla]

This is something I've been thinking about, and putting off and putting off.

I think overall it would be good to have DS in CC one day a week when bub comes, to give me a break and to allow me some one-on-one time with the baby. But having said that, the idea of being away from DS, and him being with someone he doesn't know as well as DH or my parents just upsets me - so I completely understand where you're coming from Shanti!