I'm impressed that Aneta is talking Polish already!!
My son was born in May 06 - and he only gets a few basic words out.

We have a bilingal home. I speak English, and my husband speaks Hebrew. I can't speak Hebrew (much)... so he has two languages at home. Although he doesn't speak many words... he certainly understands a lot - in which ever language he is spoken to.

I don't think you should worry about the English/Polish confusion. She may struggle a little bit at day care as she will be spoken to in English for the first time... but I don't think they expect too much from 17mo kids anyway. I am sure it will not affect her language skills at home. Just remain consistant with your polish at home.

We were told (by a hospital) that bilingual kids are slower to develop speaking initially - but advance much more then single language kids when they get to school.
Eventually Aneta will go to school... where they will only speak English... so it's probably good if she can get some English skills at Day care. If she got no English... her education may be delayed a bit.


As for sending her to day care... It will probably be harder on you then her. But if she's been with you 24/7 for 17 months - she may suffer "separation anxiety" initially. The day care centre can give you some information on how to deal with that. Or you might be able to google it (?). If possible - you should try to send her for an hour at first... then a couple of hours... then a day... etc. Just build it up. The day care centres are used to that sort of situation. When I sent my son to Family Day Care recently... the lady gave me an information sheet about separation anxiety. I laughed, and said that my son wouldn't know what that meant.

My son has been going to part time day care since he was quite young... and he absolutely loves it. He loves the new environment, the other kids to play with, the new toys, the outdoor adventures.

I hope that Aneta settles into day care... and I wouldn't worry too much about the language. Certainly don't worry about her polish. It may be a little tough for the day care centre as she won't understand what they are telling her. There are some Asian kids at my day care centre, who don't know any english either. But the day care centre cope. And so do the kids.

Good luck.