Am I Doing the Right Thing - Tampa,FL

You DO have a right to be concerned, but at the same time, I think that it's a hard adjustment for most children when they first enter daycare. It's an unfamiliar environment, they are suddenly without mom, and with a large group of other little kids. It's a big thing, but probably really good for her in the long run. My kids went into daycare when they were 18 months and 3 years and it was much easier on the 3yo. My 18mo. daughter had a BIG adjustment, but she did adjust. It sounds like it's only been a couple days, so give it time. You know, though, all that being said, they truly should be providing you with basic information such as what she ate, how many diapers, length of nap, etc. so I would stay on them about that until it's being done.

If you are even questioning this decision then you must not be 100% sold. I would take her out immediately. Find a daycare that will allow you to bring a lunch, or perhaps find an in-home daycare. You may also want to consider a share nanny. Share nannies are great because they are often times less expensive or just as expensive as a daycare. Lets say you and another family pay a nanny $10 hourly. If you only work 20 hours per week you will only pay $100 per week in childcare cost. Due to the current economy nannys are pretty flexible on their rates and they may even settle for a weekly rate. If you and another family pay $250 for a total of 30 hours (assuming the other family needs more time) then you can expect to pay even less than $100 per week. Finding a family to share a nanny with is often times pretty easy. A friend is always a great option, but you can also try finding the nanny first. Good nannys know many families and they may be able to find a match. Another way to find a family is to go to a nanny/parent search site and register as a sitter/nanny and contact families with this option (sittercity.com, enannysource.com, babysitters.com), also try posting a need for a family and/or a nanny on Craigslist. Good luck in whatever you decide to do! Keep us posted!

I would really suggest a home daycare. I know it is tough either way. I have a home daycare and know from experience that my kids adjust better than in a daycare setting. Both my little ones I have now are from a center and the parents are just so much happier. It is more like home to the children and alot more attention because of the smaller group. I would love to help you find the perfect place. I am in Seminole but know alot of great providers in pinellas. My website is www.lilputs.com
Good Luck and I always tell my parents you have to be comfortable with the place but there is an adjustment period for some children.

I have one question... How do they know she won't eat because of teething? They have known her for what, two days???
I have been in a preschool setting for 20 years and have friends who do home day care. If their little ones are upset with the group eating thing, they set aside a time earlier to try to feed that one child with out the overstimulation of other children and their noise. And they never just poopoo on Mommy's worries.

If you are uncomfortable with what you SEE, what is happening when you can't see?

B.,
you are not being silly, but working from home would be much better for you and your family don't you think? if you would like to have some more info, here is my website: www.workathomeunited.com/dawncox

My daughter is 2 1/2 and has been going to daycare since she was 6 weeks old. I would have loved to have been able to stay home with her during the first year but after that as long as you find a good daycare I think it is good for them. My daughter looks forward to going every day and comes home talking about her teachers and her friends and always has art projects and singing new songs.

Every day when we pick her up there is a paper in her cubby that the teachers fill out that says what she had for breakfast, lunch and snacks and if she ate well that day, what her mood was like, if she played well with her friends, how many diapers she used that day and how many bowel movements and how long she napped.

This is something you should be getting. Maybe you should try to talk to the director regarding what you were expecting. I think daycare can be a great experience, IF you get a great daycare!

Good luck!