Entering Daycare After Being at Home First Year

Hello M.,
I have worked in daycares and I also majored in Early Childhood in college...just graduated woo hoo! I think daycares are wonderful if they are ran the right way. Make sure the daycare is up to code, the children actually learn something, and they tv doesnt stay on. If you find the right daycare/preschool it can be wonderful for children. I agree that children learn alot from their parents, but it's also important for children to learn from thier peers. The first week will be the most rough because your child has to adapt to a whole new schedule without Mommy, but once they adapt their fine. No worries Mommy-I think a couple days a week is good, it will give you a chance to be sane and give your child a chance to interact and be social with others!

Honestly, it won't matter if he goes to day care now or next year. For his age, it's about learning how to play with other kids and how to behave in a different enviroment than home. If he starts to learn how to share and 'play nice' now, it will be easier than when he is 2yrs old and has deveolped bad habits or just isn't used to being in that type of setting with other kids. Trust me, every toddler goes through a everything is mine phase anyways but maybe less dramatic if the child is in a daycare setting earlier.

Good luck!
S.

Hi M.,

Personally if I had to take him to daycare now or in a year, I'd wait. The social outlet that he is getting is being exposed to other children learning how to behave in a social setting. He can learn much more from you, socially AND academically. This is also the time that he will begin to get sick more often being exposed to other's sniffly noses and more. Getting sick does not build the immune system like some moms think, staying healthy does. This will also require you to stay home from work more. Are you prepared for this?

These are just my thoughts and I'm sure you'll get very different opinions but my opinions are based on hindsight, which some say is 20/20 :)

God bless,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

Mellisa,
I had my daughter in daycare for the first 2 years of her life. I know that some parents have no choice in the matter but, if given a choice you should stay at home with him. My daughter was sick so much it was ridiculous. She was hospitalized twice from contracting various illnesses and it was rough for her having to deal with the separation. I am no expert, but I will tell you that my son who is one year of age now, has been a happier child. My daughter is now very happy as well but I have been home with her for over a year also and she is 3. I think that children need their parents at a young age. Wait till he starts school.

If you have a choice, I'd wait until 18mo-2yrs. One year olds get sick SOOO often in daycare--all of the nursing you'll do will outweigh the benefits for you and him. But, having said that, I still think he would benefit from the interaction at any age. I put my daughter in preschool at 11 months and quit work to stay home another year because of the constant illness, but it would have been sooo much better if it were only 2-3 days a week instead of 5 (so that factor would help you a lot). When I put her back in at 20 months, it was a world of difference--she LOVES her school and I can leave feeling confident that she is happy and comfortable. My only recommendation for you is to do what feels right and as far as scheduling, try to get your child on the school's schedule before he starts and you'll have a much easier transition. Good luck!