When your child started childcare was it better or worse than what you expected?

[SugarDust]

Was it better or worse than what you expected? Better, it gave them both a new idependance!

How did your little one react? They both love/d it!

How old were they? Jason was 2.5 and marcus was 1

Both my boys love it they jump out of bed get dressed and we go!

[Nai]

Better!! Initially I was reluctant as DD was 12 months old but she adores it. She comes home now and tells me all about what she did that day. She is only 2yrs 3 mths but her vocabulary and comprehension is just mind boggling. They do so many things that I wouldn't think of doing (and of course then steal the ideas to do at home) plus she has developed some really strong bonds and social skills.

I agree that 2 days is better than 1 especially from forming friendships and becoming used to how things work. You will probably find that they will do things at childcare that they don't do at home just because all the other kids do it and it is part of the daily routine.

[~Kim~]

No offence Jan, but your ILs aren't the parents of your bub. THeir policy doesn't have to be yours for heavens sake!
I started Darc at 16 months because I had to (we moved 600km away from family, DH went interstate for a few months I had to work) and it was the best thing she's done. She loves going and admittedly as she had to go 3 days settling wasn't an issue but she asks to go on weekends and even asked me Christmas day if she could go....

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

Thanks Kim, I think I needed that! I hate criticism but will just have to learn to put up with it. I'm surprised that so many kids love their childcare, it is great to hear. I was also surprised about the 2 days rather than 1 and will think about that abit more.

[Isadora]

Hi Kim, my in laws have similar views, but we just dont listen haha! My DD has been in care from about 4 months for two days a week. I had no choice but to go back to work. In an ideal world I would have liked to have waited till she was at least 12 months.

[~breeze~]

My DD started when she was 15 months old & was going 5 days a week at that stage as I was a single mum & going to tafe full time. Looks like mine is the only one here so far that screamed & screamed for the first few weeks when I dropped her off. The carers assured me it was normal & the best thing to do is to say bye & reassure DD I'd be back soon to pick her up then leave straight away, don't drag it out.

After about 3 or so weeks there were no more tears & haven't been since.

I'm now back with my hubby & she is going to a different daycare 2 days a week, she's been going to this one for a year now & loves it.

It was only the initial weeks that were hard (harder for me than her because she stopped crying within 5-10 mins after me dropping her off, I was feeling guilty all day & would call the centre in my breaks to find out how she was doing LOL) I even thought about dropping my course & staying home with her because I hated seeing her cry but I'm so glad I gave her the time to settle in as not only does she absolutely LOVE daycare but I also NEED the 2 days a week for myself (& the housework LOL)

She is always talking about kindy & has made some great friends. I think it's great for kids to attend daycare if possible.

I hope my story of how DD started off with crying etc hasn't put you off. Apparently it's normal, all of my friends kids went through it aswell, obvioulsy some took longer than others to adjust & it also depends on the age I think, I know DD was very clingy to me when I started sending her so I think that made it harder than if it was perhaps 6 months earlier or 6 months later??? I just wanted you to know if your little one does cry for the first week or so that you're not alone & it is quite common, although seeing all the other posts in here you wouldn't think so LOL Others here must have been the lucky percent whose children adjust to big changes easily.

Good luck, I hope you're in the percent mentioned above (easily adjust) & I know your little one will absolutely LOVE it (even if it does take a while).

[~Kim~]

You're welcome babe! Good luck.