Ally, I understand everyone has different needs. But I just want to point out that you will be the one to gain the most from giving DS a day/half day in daycare. Again I am not intending to offend here I honestly hope I don't. But the fact that DS is already enjoying Kindy gym & isn't showing any interest in the other kids while there, is probably a good indication of what it will be like at daycare. Evan & Glenn also love playing with their cousins when we do see them. Funny how they are drawn to the older ones too isn't it?!
I think Evan was the same age as your DS when I thought he must be missing out on something by not attending daycare. But it was the daycare director that I spoke with who said, I don't need "day care" for him to be looked after while I work etc, I wasn't keen on the idea of putting him into daycare & that at his age he really didn't need the interaction with other kids. That their world is centred around them selves.
It sounds as though we are similar in that I too have very rarely had my kids baby sat. I think I could cound maybe 4 times in the 4 years I have had kids. 2 trips to the movies & once when I had to work & DH wasn't going to be home till after 2 hours after I had left. I think there was a 4th but I am not 100% as I can't remember what it was for. Oh unless you count the hour or 2 my mum sat with Evan while DH was with me during the birth of Glenn.
Even though I can understand that everyone is differnt, kids included. I still believe that kids under 2 don't "need" daycare interaction with other kids. But sayign that, I will say that Kids need a happy & loving home environment (& please don't take this the wrong way) But I think that if you feel that the 1/2 day/full day in daycare will help you be a better mum to your little man. then I think thats ok. I too (I am sure we all) need that time to ourselves. I am not ready for Glenn to go to preschool, he loves coming onthe 1 day I drop Evan off & pick him up & would probably be fine if I left him but I would rather wait till he is 3 like Evan was. So on the one day Evan is at preschool I still have Glenn undertoe. But I get my time to myself once they are tucked away in bed. Thats all I need most days is just an hour to myself to unwind (usually on here lol).
But I don't think its selfish to need more time to yourself & if daycare is the answer for you then so be it.
Please Please please don't take anyof that the wrong way. If it came out the wrong way please just disregard it as I honestly don't mean any offense.
Fionajill: You definately havent offended me LOL!
I guess i would see daycare as a treat for him to be able to spend time with other kids, which he loves, someone different, and being able to play with new toys, and explore new surroundings. I certainly wouldnt even continue with it if i thought he wasnt enjoying it. He really is a different kid when there is new company around, so this is why i think it would be good for him.
The reason he is not showing interest in the kids at kindergym, is because the place is huge and there arent many kids there. There is basically 3 or more pces of equipement per child, so the kids are no where near each other most of the time. And he is so excited having new things to play with.
I dont feel that i would be the one benefiting most, since i would be at home doing housework, LOL! and thinking of DS all day anyway.
I agree that kids need a happy and loving home, my DS is told ever single hour that i love him, and he gets a million and one kisses every single day. I dont think that having him in day care would make me a better mum, but it would make for a nice tidy organized home environment for him.
DS is in bed by 8 each night, but i work a few evenings per week, specifically so that i dont have him in daycare or looked after every single day. So i dont get much time to relax. I did chose to be a stay at home mum. That was my choice. A work mate has put her daughter in day care full time since she was only 6weeks old. No i personally couldnt have done that, but i guess that is what she felt was right?
If your child seems to like it, why wouldnt you? IMO it would be harder to take a 3yo, as they would be more aware of being left alone,than a 14mo would. I would prefer to slowly build them up to it, and i guess the younger the better IMO .As i said before, i think it does depend on the child, their personality, and how clingy they are. But that is just my opinion of course!
Again... You didnt offend me, and i hope i havent offended you in any way. I love hearing opposite opinions to mine, as it makes me more open minded, and gives me other things to think about .
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks