I had an interview with the family day care centre today and felt very reserved about doing it the last few weeks. Elijah has a 5 hour spot this term in occasional care which starts this Friday (was 3 hours last term) and he's familiar with the centre, which was what made me hesitant about family day care - I was hoping FDC would get back to me before kinder did so he was only doing one day, but might do two and see how he goes, what he likes best. He's a bit clingy at the moment and I didn't want to upset him with change. That said, he's much more sociable than Marisa ever was and is paying much more attention to other kids and will initiate play.

I felt better after going today, you get to interview the carer so you can choose them and you can stop whenever you like and it's much cheaper. The carer they have lined up is both verified by the family day care program and external bodies as well - she's very experienced and sounds great. She takes the kids out to the park everyday with other day care women, which I think is great as they would all help and look out for one another. Elijah LOVES the park and I think he'll love having a little friend (there is a boy his age) and the carer will be the same. Kids attach to people - yes the carer may be sick but so may a day care centre worker. Obviously there will still be more staff at a centre, but because I am not working for someone else, I can luckily be flexible.

I think its a matter of meeting them all and seeing how you go. You can always change.