Hun, I think that using child care one day a week is a great idea. I do believe that it is good for most children (not all), as they get a different type of socialisation and different activities. I also think it's good for children to have a mum who isn't totally exhausted and has nothing to give. Having been pg with a toddler, and also having a nb and a toddler, all I can say to is that you will benefit from the break and you will be a better mummy to both your beautiful children for doing this.

Jack had been in day care while I was working, and I changed him down to 1 day a week at a different centre when I went on maternity leave for Tom (which turned out to be when Tom was born as he arrived 4 weeks early). Jack did take longer to settle into the new centre as it was only day a week. I think that 2 days would have helped him settle in more quickly. But he did settle in, and he wasn't too upset. If you can afford it, and bring yourself to do it, maybe you could start her at 2 days a week just for 3 or 4 weeks and then drop her back. But even if you just go with 1 day, she will settle in. In between kindy days, you can be talking to her about what she does at kindy, and doing some of the same activities (even role-playing role call, morning tea time etc - Jack loves doing this). That would help her settle in more quickly too.

I HTH hun. Please don't feel guilty. This is a good idea, and your DD will be just fine.