day care??

[utigerlily]

I completely understand your worry Elissa, I have a 16mth boy who's not as clingy, but is difficult in both sleeping and eating, so I worry about leaving him at Day care as well. Just the thought of him crying and distressed just messes me up, even though I understand what you mean by needing some 'me' time. I've considered day care, but have chickened out doing it at the moment... perhaps when he's a little older. In the mean time, I'm considering play group, and taking him to nursery rhymes at the library etc to give him interaction with other kids, and get him used to being with others, so hopefully he'll make a good transition when the time comes?!
Maybe you could leave him with a good friend or relative for 1 or 2 hours to start with, and see how he goes, and how you go... that way he can get used to someone else being with him, and that person is not a complete stranger to start with? And you can have a little break to soak in the bath or do some stress free shopping, or something?
Be picky about choosing the child care places, I've heard first hand that the Montessouri centres are really good, and they have a very secure and protective, safe environment for the young ones to play and interact.
All the best in your decision, whatever you choose, it'll be the best decision for you and your little one

[mollycat]

hi, thinking of putting your child into child care is one of the most important decisions in both your and your child's life. It can be really frightening for the parent, and you are allowed to be anxious when your child first starts care. A good child care provider will help you adjust. I'm speaking personally, I am a carer with Family Day Care and have looked after over 100 children over the last ten years. I've had a few children who just found the separation too much, and have advised their parents to take them out of care and try again in six months or so. Others adjust within six to eight weeks. I had two siblings, cried when mum left, so advised her to park down street and listen out of sight, within minutes they were playing happily. Best way is to start with a few hours per day(always feel free to ring and check in) and build up, maybe twice a week, as one day per week is usually too far apart between visits. Don't be afraid to "shop around", some carers are better than others, and there is always the chance of a personality clash.