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Q

Childcare - Daycare Center or Home Care

Dallas, TX

Hello, Moms. I'm a new mom of a 3 month old. I'm looking for full-time daycare in the Allen area starting the last week in July. I'm open to either a well-recommended day care center or a home care situation. My daughter will be 5 months old at the time that I return to work full-time. Thanks for any leads that you may have.

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Q

Daycare

McAllen, TX

I've been ofered a job in my field, loan officer. It's a jaob from 9 to 5, but my son is barely 7 months, i don't know if is okay to leave him in day care for such a long time. I'm afraid of missing all the milestones, and what if he doesn't recognize me or doesnt' want to be with me anymore, i don't want to loose the conection that I have with him, and we don't really NEED the money. what can i do?

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Q

Daycare

Los Angeles, CA

I am really stressed out about sending my almost 1 year old to daycare. We are starting slowly. My son is in an in home daycare with 11 other children. There is a housekeeper/cook and a woman who mostly takes care of the children. The owner is a wonderful woman who has been in child care longer than I have been alive! However, I am noticing that when I pick up my son, she is not there often. It makes me nervous that these two woman are alone with so many children, especially since one woman is the primary caregiver. I was wondering what other moms have experienced regarding daycare. Please do not give me the advice to stay home. It is not an option. I am squeezing a full time scheudle into 3 days and I have not slept in a year. I feel bad enough.

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Q

Daycare Dilema

Champaign, IL

My son will be two next month. Right now he is at a daycare center and he's in the toddler room until her turns two. Two weeks ago, the lady in charge approached me and said that my son has really outgrown the toddler room and they have been letting him "visit" the two year old room and he's doing really well and would like to move him up full time. I agreed. Last week was his first full week there...One teacher said he was doing good, another said he cried a lot during the day with the different routines when we was tired - understandable. This week they both said he was doing good. Yesterday, i was approached again and told that they have an opening in the toddler room again and they are going to move my son back down because he really shouldn't be in the two room because he's not two. Alright - I guess. I called the lady in charge and spoke to her about being concerned about this because I don't want him have to "re-adjust" again in 4 weeks when he turns two. She stated he would still be spending 2 hours per day in the 2's room. I'm wondering why there was "such a rush" to move him up and then all of a sudden there's an "opening" and he's being brought back down. I feel like they are not being honest with me. That's one problem... The next problem is this... I don't really have a "great" feeling about the afternoon teacher, she's young, she seems very inexperienced and she's not very friendly. I have literally picked up my son and she has not said one word to me unless I speak to her first. In the mornings he goes to a "room" since he's dropped off before his main teacher gets there and the women in this room seem to act like I'm putting them out by dropping him off...again, they barely say hello or even hello to my son - when they do call him by the right name. I really liked the toddler room and the teachers and I really like the 3 year old teachers - they are so organized...but this two room I'm not so confident on. So...my question is do I stick it out for the next 4 weeks and see how he does when he moves into the 2 room permanantly and see if things change or should i start to look elsewhere? Help... My husband and I are torn on what to do or if we're just over-reacting to things - especially since we feel they had a chance to get a "new" toddler but needed to move one out and picked my son, and then the new one fell threw and they moved him down - without much concern on his adjustments.

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Q

Daycare Recommendations

Detroit, MI

I am possibly looking at changing current daycares and is wondering if anyine has any recommendations or centers that i should stay away from. My son will be two and looking for a little more structured and educational setting if possible.

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Q

Getting Hassled by a Friend About Daycare

Los Angeles, CA

I'm a work from home mom of two, and I'm encountering what feels like a strange issue to me. You see, 10 years ago, when I started my career, I purposely "planned" my career development around a future possiblity of marriage and kids, even though I had no ring, and no glimmer of children at that point. I worked super hard to develop a relationship with my employer that would allow me to "ask for the world," and get it...and I feel I've achieved just that. I have an executive level position with a great company, and I get to work from home except for two days a week, when I go in for about 4 hours - while grandma watches the kids. I take care of my own kids the rest of the time, while I do my work (hence I have a lot of late nights...but that is OK) and we spend our days having fun, and I do work cram sessions while they nap and play for short spells independently. My problem is this - one friend of mine keeps telling me she thinks I need to put my kids into daycare, that she thinks that what I'm doing is "too much" and that I should put them in daycare, if for no other reason, so I can have some "me" time. I think this is an insane idea, and I'm on the verge of cutting her out of my life for her insensitivity to my situation, and her inability to appreciate how hard I've worked to have what I feel is a "have your cake and eat it too" lifestyle. What do you guys think - should I put up with the comments or tell her to knock it off? We haven't been friends for too long, but I like everything else about her and we have a lot in common...other than some obvious parenting ideals...however I think taking a stand on this with her could hurt the friendship.

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Q

Having a Tough Time with Putting My Baby in Daycare.

Albany, NY

I have an 8 week old and she just started day care on Monday. The thing is, my husband and I moved back here from NV because we thought we would have a lot more family support and my sister was supposed to watch her for the summer. However, nothing turned out like we expected and we had to put her in daycare. My husband works nights, but, he can't sleep and watch her and he's going to school too. I cried Monday when I left her. And after I left, I called because I forgot to tell them something. They said they were just calling me about the same thing. They told me to call as much as I wanted and I told them I might come by on lunch to nurse her or just see her. They said that was fine and I was welcome to come by anytime. Well, every day, I went to see her. Monday, they had just fed her so I couldn't nurse her. I just held her and rocked her to sleep. Tue and today, I nursed her. I called again today because on the paper they sent home it showed that after I left, she was awake for 3 hours and they didn't feed her again until the 3 hours was up. Originally they asked me when she ate and I said every 2-3 hours, but, she didn't have a schedule yet and can eat anytime. She has never been up for 3 hours after eating unless she's really gassy or she's still hungry. She may stay quiet for a little while, but, after that, she will cry. So, I was concerned that she was awake for that long and was crying and they didn't try to feed her again. So, I told them they could feed her anytime she is cranky because she may not be getting enough milk from me since I went back to work and am not producing as much. Well, my husband thinks I'm neurotic. He says that I'm hounding them by calling and stopping by and thinks they will take it out on the baby. That really upset me. I don't see why I can't call or stop by. It's my baby. Am I supposed to trust strangers to take care of her without checking up on her? And don't I know her best? Am I being ridiculous? I know it's a licensed day care, but, I'm not thrilled with everything I've seen so far and I have concerns. Today, when I went to pick her up, she was screaming. She was the only baby there and the girl that I had just called today to tell her she could feed my baby anytime said that she was going to give the baby a bottle in about 25 minutes because that's when she was due. I was so upset because I had just told her to feed her any time she's crying. I'm so stressed out about the daycare that I'm crying all the time, yelling at my husband because he doesn't understand and just generally sad. Any suggestions?

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Q

How Much Is Daycare?

Dallas, TX

Hi Moms! I was wondering if you all could give me an idea of what childcare costs. I have a 4 year old and a 22month old and I may have to return to work. So I'm trying to figure out if I would make enough to cover the cost of childcare and help with the bills. Thanks so much and God Bless you all! :-)

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Q

How Often Is Your Young Toddler in Daycare Sick?

Dallas, TX

We are ready for me to go back to work and am tossing up between home daycare and daycare centers - the main thing we are concerned about is that getting sick - so how often does your LO get sick in daycare -home or center. I have had friends tell me their kid in daycare centers get sick every month or so -That's a lot of time off.

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Q

I Need a Good Recommendation for School/Daycare for Toddlers!?

Dallas, TX

Our son is 18 months old. He was in a daycare (where they never cleaned and he was sick every week) until May. Since then, he has been at home with my husband. In August my husband will return to school so we need a daycare or school with a good record. We would prefer more of an early education/school/montessori environment to traditional daycare as he is very smart and we'd like for him to be challenged every once in awhile. I have looked at St. Alcuin, White Rock North Montessori and some others...most either have long waiting lists or are $1000/month for care. We need something that is less than $800/month but comes recommended. I know early education is important, but I'm sorry...I have a hard time imagining spending St. Marks, ESD, or Hockaday money (I went to Hockaday) on a program for a toddler. Some of these schools are over $17K/yr for an 18 month old! If I pay that, he better turn out like Doogie Howser and graduate from high school a genius at the age of 13! Any information would be greatly appreciated!!!! Please help?

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Q

In Need of an Awesome Daycare Facility in Plano,frisco, North Dallas 2Yr Old

Dallas, TX

Hi there, I am in need to childcare for a 2yr old. I have tried Bent tree dayschool, and cambridge academy. I am paying about 170weekly, now that she is 2yrs old it has gone down to 160weekly. I have not found a nice daycare, today her teacher chewed me out for bringing my daughter to school at 1030 instead of 7am when they open. My daugher had a dr appt this morning that we had to go to. I pay them to watch my child, they shouldnt start telling me when i have to bring my child. It is my option and when i need to use them. Her behaviour has been very terrible twards my daughter. I live off the north dallas tollway, I am wanting a really nice chilcare facility not an inhome daycare. I do not like, kindercare, or la petite or the peanut gallery. If you ladies know of any place that is a very nice, safe, execellent quality teachers Please give me a refferal. Thank you!!!!

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Q

Looking for a Daycare That Is Open Late and on Weekends

Jacksonville, FL

My husband and I don't get to work the normal 9-5 schedule. We work late evenings and every weekend but it seems that none of the daycare centers stay open past 6:30 and they are closed on weekends. This doesn't make sense to me. I don't know many people who work 9-5. So, I was wondering if anyone knew of a place that has a better schedule? My husband and I have a place on hold but again it's M-F 6:30am to 6:30 pm and we may only need the center 1 or 2 days during the week and they don't do part time so we have to pay the full time price of $149 a week!!!!!!!! I am trying to find a place close to Atlantic Blvd and Baymeadows Way, if possible.

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Q

Looking for a Preschool for 3 Year Old in McKinney,TX

Dallas, TX

I know this is the same question everyone asks, but I'd like information on local daycares that have part-time care or a great mommy's-day-out program. I'm a SAHM, but I want my 3 year old to interact with other kid's her age, & others besides her sisters. Because I'm a SAHM I really don't want to put her somewhere that they only have full week openings. Just a couple of days a week. I have to adjust to ths too! We just moved to McKinney so I really don't know what's out there in this area. Any & all responses are greatly appreciated. Thank you-in advance.

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Q

Looking for Childcare In/near Murphy, TX

Dallas, TX

I'm looking for nannies, daycare or in home childcare that's around or less than $200 a week in the Murphy, Wylie, Richardson, east Plano area. I need somewhere that can take them as young as 6 weeks with a safe good clean environment that I will feel comfortable with that also has an early educational curriculum.

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Q

Looking for Great Infant Childcare?

Dallas, TX

Hi Mamas, My current in home day care provider is looking to fill an infant spot. She is absolutely wonderful! She has taken care of my daughter since she was almost 3 months, and my baby and I absolutley lover her! If you are looking for good, loving,trustworthy care for your baby...she is the woman for the job. I was SOOOO very nervous leaving my baby for the first time, and after meeting with her and talking with her over my pregancy and after my baby was born I felt so comforted that I had absolutely made the right decision. Trust me ladies when I tell you I am the pickiest person ever! If you want more info, please feel free to contact me or call me ###-###-####.

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Q

Mom in Desperate Need for Daycare :)

Chicago, IL

Hello, I am looking for anyone who can give me good referals for Daycare or in-home daycare centers in my area. I have a 9 week old and am in desperate need of daycare for my baby. I know this seems a little late but originally I had a girlfriend who was going to watch him for the first 3 months and ended up cancelling on me last minute. I am know scrapping for any good referral for my sweet boy. His name is Payton and is a great baby. I am looking for part time daycare 3 days a week. If anyone out there can help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

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Q

Mom Wanting to Know the Benefits of Daycare

Detroit, MI

I have many posts on this site about daycare. I am a mom of a 2 year old and a 9 week old. After weeks of searching, I have recently enrolled my 2 year old in a daycare program. I did go on the tour and I was impressed also I have a relative who has her child enrolled in there preschool program. So, It makes me feel a little better knowing someone else who has a child there as well. But..Now I so nervous about leaving my DS in childcare fulltime. I decided to send him full time because both of my relatives who care for him (on different days of the week) are in their mid seventies. I'm afraid that caring for two will be too much for them. I go back and forth wondering if they can handle it because I don't really want to leave my son in care 8 to 9 hours per day. I'm so afraid of making the wrong choice. For moms who have a child in care full-time can you tell me what positive things your child is doing from being in daycare? Do you feel bad about leaving them all day or do you think that its the best thing for them? I know we all do what we have to do as parents. Most parents have no choice but would you do it if you had a choice.

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Q

Moms, Please Help!!!!!!!!!!!

Dallas, TX

I've made a couple of posts about my almost 4 year old son having trouble at daycare. He's already been kicked out of one & I just found out that he's about to be kicked out of another. I have such a hard time believing that my son is so out of control that all the teachers up there can't handle him. My husband even went so far as to talk with a psychologist or psychicatrist(sp?) & they believe he is add, adhd. They agree with us about not putting him on meds so soon, but we can't afford all their treatments. I am at my absolute wits end!!! I can't not work but I also can't throw him around from daycare to daycare. What do I do? I worry about putting him in an at home daycare bc I don't want him to fall behind socially or academically, as he is very smart, but I think that's my only other option. Please help!!!!!

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Q

My Son Keeps Getting Sick

Dallas, TX

My son has been attending day care 3 times a week for a month now. Towards the end of each week he has been getting sick. Runny nose, cough, congestion and slight fever. On top of this he is teething. He was never sick before. Is it the exposure to the day care that is causing him to get sick. Will he get use to this? The week before he got an ear infection and his doctor gave him antibiotics for 10 days, i thought that would be a big help, but sure enough he has been sick since thurdays. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how long before his little body gets use to being around other kids? Help we are all miserable.

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Q

Need Childcare for Next Week - Emergency!!

Dallas, TX

My last minute babysitter fell through (my normal one is on vacation and the backup got a 'real job'. I didn't plan on paying an arm and a leg for that week, but I can pay something to anyone open for an extra toddler for the week. Andrew is 2.5 and I would need someone (babysitter or drop in daycare) from 8-3:30pm M-F. Can anyone help me???

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Q

Need Intermittent And/or Part Time Day Care (Trophy Club/Grapevine Area)

Dallas, TX

Ladies - Does anyone know of, or have any suggestions regarding, day cares in the area that: - offer educational or at least well structured programs - operate at least 7:30am - 4:00pm - are near or between Grapevine and Trophy Club (possibly as far as Keller if the "fit" is right) - (and here's the biggie) offer a "drop 'em when you need to" program that also allows a "pay per use" structure I am looking to return to teaching via substitute teaching for a while, so the exact days I'll need the day care are not set. And when I'm not working, I'll probably want to have the boys with me, plus we really can't spend the money for full time care just now. Hence the desired "pay per use" structure. And no, we don;t have friends or family in the area that can help - bummer. We are also considering a nanny, but again, the need to be flexible is may not allow that option. I know this is probably an impossible situation, so your helpful suggestions are welcome! Thank you ladies!

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Q

Please Tell Me If This Is "Normal"???

Chicago, IL

I have the sweetest loving 1 year old son who goes to KinderCare 5 days a week while I am at work. he is in the older infant room till he is 15 months. Yesterday he came home and had a bite mark on his wrist there was no accident report which they are suppose to give me no matter what... i called the daycare to question it iwas told they will look into it.. today i dropped him off at daycare and his teacher didnt even know it had happend! which led me to beleive she wasnt paying attention do i brought this to the attnetion to the assit directer who in turn said she will look in to it and maybe he did it him self... ithought was pretty dumb of her to say to me.... she said they will kee pas close eye out today... needless to say i picked him up from daycare and low and behold another bite mark on his back!!!!this time i did receive an accident report, i know kids start to bite but when there is no more then 8 babies and 2 teachers it seems weird... can some1 telll me if i am over reacting??? and also if any one knows and good and reasonable daycares either near glenview/niles or in buffalo grove..

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Q

Potty Trained Children

Dallas, TX

I have a registered childcare in my home and think that 3 yrs. old is old enough to be potty trained. I have parents that complain saying they will train when ready. Wouldn't you think that 3 is old enough to be potty trained and too old not to be potty trained?

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Q

Pre-school

Fort Myers, FL

My son will be 3 on Oct.21 & is NOT yet potty trianed. That is an issue that we are working on. My question, does anyone know of a pre-school that would take a child that is NOT potty trined? Looking for hope in this long process & thinking pre-school might help. I have talked to a few schools & the child MUST BE POTTY TRAINED!!!! Austin tells me when it's too late, but I guess it's better than nothing at all. Any idea's on pre-school or even idea's on potty training would be GREAT. P.S. Cheerios DONT work.

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Q

Question About Best Day Care Option

Chicago, IL

My daughter is 7 months old and I have been working partly at home and partly at the office since she was 3 months old. I have had a woman come to my house to watch her while I am working from home and she goes to a large in home daycare the other days. I have been happy with both situations and have found pros and cons for both. I am now struggling to decide which to go with full time. The main pros for the nanny is that my daughter gets one-on-one attention all day and gets to stay home with all of her stuff (Mainly her own crib) and away from germs. The main pros for the daycare center is that if one of the employees there is sick, they are still able to care for my daughter. If the nanny is sick one day I don't have care for her. Also, I think the in home daycare will do a fabulous job helping teach her when she gets a little older. They do a lot of field trips, teach the kids Spanish and sign language, etc. So basically I am asking what have other moms experiences been? Has anyone switched from one to the other? Thanks, D.

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Q

Roselle Mom Needs $200/Week or Less Childcare

Chicago, IL

I have found myself in quite a bind....with gas prices and food prices, traditional daycare is not affordable. I don't want to start charging my electric bill just to pay for child care. It's crazy! My daughter wsa born March 13th. I'm looking for 4 days per week (Tues thru Fri) from about 8:15/8:30am until 5:30pm beginning in September. Anything over $200 will put me under. And with the housing market, I can't even sell my townhome and move in with my parents. And at almost 33 years og age and married, that's not something I really want to do anyways. Any suggestions?

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Q

SAHM To Working Full Time mom--Tell Me About Your Transition

Dallas, TX

Hi Mamas, I am wanting to hear about your transition from SAHM to full-time working mom. I've found I'm a much better/happier/positive/energetic mom when I'm working, and have been thinking about plunging in full time. The part-time thing at night is getting old, and I feel like I spend the whole day preparing and not doing such a great job caring for my kids/keeping house/making meals, etc. After I teach (Which I love), I come home excited about my job and even more about seeing my kids. So, tell me about your experience. And tell me about transitioning the kids to full-time day care. I think I've found an awesome preschool for my older son, and am starting to look for my younger son. My 2 year old is very clingy and emotional (I guess most 2 year olds are), but he is soooo ready to be with other kids and doing activities and running around and I'm ready for him to do that too (and even if I don't end up going to work full time, I'll probably send him there part time anyway)! and my 9month old is as cool as a cucumber. He'll adjust quickly I think. And one more thing--Guilt is my part time job, so if you have any pep talks about motherhood and working full-time, bring them on!

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Q

Sahm/returning College Student Needing Advice

Houston, TX

Hi, I'm a mother of a 3 yr old and a 3 mo old. I had planned to return to college in the fall to take the last 5 pre-requisite courses for nursing school (which I had hoped to begin Fall 2008). However, I just found out that the courses I need to take are not offered at night, so I would need to place both children in daycare. This is going to run about $7200 per school year. Because we are not prepared for that expense yet, I have to decide on the following: Do I wait until the girls are both in school (another 5 years)? Or do I roll daycare expenses into my student loans? I have been unable to find a daycare situation that allows part time attendance, other than the onsite school daycare. However the youngest they will take is 18 mos and that will not work for my 3 mo old. I really hate to wait another 5 years as I have been planning this since before I became pregnant with my youngest daughter. But I hate to add that much expense to a student loan that is already going to be big once I finish nursing school. What should I do?

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Q

Search for Daycare Is Not Going Well – Help!

Chicago, IL

I’m about to be a mommy in March and can only take off three months from work, so I will need to put my baby in daycare around June. As a first time parent I had no idea that I should have been looking already. First off, I am having trouble finding daycares – I live in Logan Square and work in the loop. I’ve checked out two Bright Horizons locations and contacted the Concordia Avondale daycare. All three daycares have waiting lists between 9 months to a year! We have one friend with a child who uses an in home daycare provider who is very, very happy and we have an appointment to meet her. But if for some reason that doesn’t work out, I don’t know what else to do. I went on the NAEYC website and got a list of childcare centers, but most only see two year olds and up. Both of out families are on the east coast, so there is no “grandma” option for us. I feel like I’ve already let the baby down and she/he isn’t even born yet. A co-worker suggested looking on craigslist for someone who could do home daycare, but I don’t know anything about how to run background checks/check certifications and I don’t want to just take someone I don’t know on their word. Any referrals or advice or suggestions would be welcome.

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Q

Seeking Childcare Advice.....

Washington DC, PA

My 10 month-old has never been in daycare. Between my husband and I and occasionally our parents we schedule our work days around each other so that one of us is usually home. The other day while having a play date with my girlfriends little boy, who does go to daycare, it was clear to me that my little guy doesn't have the interaction with other children often. This scares me... am I hurting him because he is so frequently around only adults? Should I have him in daycare so I can socialize him more? Sincerely, Afraid he won't share..... R

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Q

Seeking Excellent Care in West Plano

Dallas, TX

I am trying to find a great daycare center for my 2 year old and new baby. I looked at Parker Chase. The facility looked older and the kids packed into the rooms. But they seemed loving and caring. I also looked at Primrose Coit and Springcreek. They seemed much more structured and better spaced, but the staff seemed more transient? What is your experience? Thanks!

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Q

Son Comming Home with His Breakfast Not Being Eatten

Dallas, TX

Hello Everyone My son just started day care and when we take him in the morning I give the teachers his breakfast. When I pick him up in the afternoon his breakfast has not been touched. I am not sure what is the best way to ask questions. I don't want to offend any of the teachers or get them mad. I am just concerned that my son is not being given his breakfast. Please help how should I handle this.

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Q

Starting DAYCARE for the First Time on Monday!

Dallas, TX

HI MOMS, My son is 13 months and he will be starting daycare for the first time next Monday. I am really worried about him getting sick (pretty much just anxious in general about it) Any advice on setting my mind at ease on him being there. I really feel comfortable with the teachers and the facility, but still just nervous. In regards to him getting sick, any home remedies on boosting his little immune system beforehand? I have heard of that AIRBORNE stuff but I don't think I will be able to get him to drink it! Thanks for any advice

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Q

What Should I Do?

Chicago, IL

My child will start daycare next month (she will be 3 months old)and I'm very nervous. I was breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, when she start daycare she will only drink the formula. We all know how expensive formula and pamper are. My family and her father are raising questions about me taking a can of formula and a pack of pampers to leave at the daycare. Their concerns are (1) they might not measure the powder formula correctly, (2) they might use my baby pampers and formula on another child. My concerns are 1)I don't want my child to be hungry because I didn;t pack enough formula 2)I don't want my child to develop a diaper rash because she doesn't have enough pampers for the day. On an average she use like 10-12 pampers at home with me but her bottles vary.

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