Thinking about sending DS to daycare 1 day a week

[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.