Thinking about sending DS to daycare 1 day a week

[MummyNaomi]

although a tip with the shopping - see if you can get home delivery and shop online - that's my sanity saver!

Totally agreed, we use Coles online and god it makes life easier

Re Daycare though, 1 day a week might be a bit difficult if he has trouble getting used to it, as a week is SUCH a long time for little ones, by the time the next week comes around it may be almost like starting over again, so be prepared for that.

My DS (only 15 months) started care about 6 weeks ago, its really only the last 3 weeks that he is totally into it, loves it now, and is developing in leaps and bounds, he is a pretty social kid and really connects with the carers, there are great benefits to care.

Regarding needing some time though for you to get things done though - I totally get it - you know what they say - Happy Wife, Happy Life

[Ozziehoffy]

Oskar started going one day a week this year, he was almost 3. He goes on a Wednesday and ooooh I LIVE for that day some weeks lol. It is tough having them 24/7 and no family help. I'm the same and he does love going. He's learnt so many new skills, new songs (ones I remember but didn't remember I remembered lol) and learning more socialising skills. Just recently though he's been having some separation anxiety at drop off time and in the morning before going, however I've been told by one of his teachers that this is VERY normal at his age (he's now almost 3 1/2). At first we didn't have any problems but it then just happened. She said they get past it, it's just they're a lot more aware of things at his age. Having said that, within a few mins of me leaving they tell me he's fine and has a wonderful day. This is the day I do go to the shops to do what I need to do ... with just one kiddie lol. Elijah will go when he's 3 too.

I also saw it as starting to get him ready for prep etc... next year he'll go into the "kindy" program which is (I think) 5 day fortnight, then it's prep the year after, so that's 5 days a week! It will be good for him and he'll learn a lot of new things and do things we just don't have time to do too often when we have other kiddies too.

[butterfly_warrior]

I have Sam in day care one day per week. It started when I went back to work and DH continued to work one day per week, but then I had to stop working and DH has gone back full time - we've kept that one day, even though it really stretches the budget some times!

I spend the first half of the week feeling guilty and wondering if we can really justify the expense - and the rest of the week desperately hanging out for Friday so I can get a break! Like you I have no family locally who can watch him for even a couple of hours. On Fridays I tend to book all the appointments I need - went to the optometrist just recently and it would have been impossible with an active, curious toddler there!

One thing - I would suggest judging whether he enjoys it or not by how he is at the end of the day. Sam cries when I drop him off... He didn't the first few weeks but does now. Six months later still does... but he has an absolutely fantastic time while there, and I know when I've been able to hide around the corner so he can't see me that the tears settle very quickly and he's keen to just get on and enjoy his day.

BW

[AwesomeFoursome]

Thank you ladies for you replies. I will go down in the morning to talk to them. I wish we had shopping online but its not in our area. I will let you know how it goes. Thank you.

[sasha]

I never wanted to send ours to care either. But I found that it really was driving me insane being with them ALL THE TIME and so from the beginning of last year they both started one day a week, then this year when I went back to work we put them in for two days. I work Wednesdays and then I have Fridays "off" (although I can go in to work if I need to). It's saved my sanity, they love it, the carers seem to love them, and with the childcare rebate it's fairly affordable. Don't feel guilty... by having the time off, you'll find you're more balanced and able to cope better with all the tantrums and challenges toddlers can throw at you!!

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi Yowie
you can tell them that you want to try your DS one day a week first to see how he gets use to it. Most childcare centres will let you do that (well most in my areas allowed us to put 1 day a week).

At first DD was crying too but she's very much use to it now. It only took her 2 weeks (2 days) to settle in the new one and she doesnt cry at all now.

I must warn you though the first few weeks will be hard because they will be clinging and crying like theres no tomorrow but they usually settle once you leave, but they will get use to it and grow to like it.

I think you definitely need that time off and rest up.