Going Back to Work Mon-fris Daughter Who Is 2 1/2 Will Be Starting Day Care

Hi Holli,

I suggest that you check out the day care as much as you can and stop in at all different times of the day to see what is going on. Not to scare you, but I just pulled my daughter out of day care, she was only in there for 2 weeks and she just cried everyday. They never changed her diaper, left her sit in the high chair for hours and she was sooooo sick b/c all the other kids were sick and were passing it around! Then at nap time, the little boy there didn't want to take a nap and they were holding him down by his neck, I just wanted to cry. Could you look in to a nanny that would come to your home? Might be better to be in her own surroundings.

Hi H.,

I was in the same situation in January this year. My little guy was 2 1/2 when he started. My days are long as well 8 to 5. I was really nervous because he was home with me up to this point. I found a local preschool I loved. I went twelve times before I registered him at all different times and days. I was extremely please with it everytime. I spoke with the teacher letting her know my feelings and thoughts. We decided the week before he started that I would bring him everyday for a half hour or so to meet his teachers, peers, and get use to the new surroundings. His first day he woke up and I told him I would be leaving him with Ms. Millie and the kids and I would be back. He was great to my surprise. Once we got there he gave me a big kiss and hug and told me I love you mommy bye. I said my goodbye and was shocked. I called school about and hour later and the teacher said he was reading a book and drawing. I went to work and my boss said what is wrong I told him I had to quite cause my baby is becoming a big boy and don't miss me. Well now four months later he is happy every morning and loves school. He has learned so much and I am working happily. Good luck, just remember this is a big step for her so make it special.

I have watched children in my home for many years so I hope i can give you some advice. If you already have a daycare provider picked out. Make several visits there, each time standing back a little more to let her explore on her own. If you can drop her off one or two times by herself just for an hour or 2, see how she does. This will make things move a lot easier. Reasure her that when you pick her up she will get some special momy time to hear about all the fun things she did that day. As long as she is having fun she will be fine. Most of the kids I watch fight their parents when it is time to leave. LOL! Remember one thing if a month goes by and your child is dreadfully fighting going to day care there may be something wrong. Always go with your gut feeling. Good luck.

Hey do like I am doing and work from home that way you will be able to stay home with the children as much as you would like or untill you are redy to put her back in school. I started working with Ameriplan USA it is as easy as 1,2,3 listen just check out this web site its about helping people with their medical and health benefits trust me its a good way to stay home and make money, I am. www.deliveringonthepromise.com/40437570

I was a Preschool teacher before I had my twins. My advice is somewhat like the rest. Try to have her visit a couple days. Maybe give her a transition object to take with her. Another, VERY important, do not sneak out or linger around. I'm gonna sound all pscychological now...this makes your kids think you don't want to leave them with these people. (I know you want her with you, but doing this makes them unsure of the people you are leaving them with.) Check to see if the school is state and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited (If you ask them it's called "NACY"). Hopefully some of that helped.

Hi H. - my advice would have been to start bringing your daughter about 2 weeks before to build her up to full days and get (you and) her used to it but obviously that doesn't help you now. My other advice is to go with your gut feeling. If you feel something is wrong deep down, it could be. Also, please call Pennsylvania Child & Family to find out if the daycare has any citations against them or complaints.

http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/ChildCare/ParentResource...

I couldn't find the phone number that I called but if you click on "contact us" at the bottom of the page you can send an email requesting the info. I had a bad experience with a local daycare so I urge everyone I know to call and find out all you can. Also, try Child Care Works toll-free helpline 1-877-4-PA-KIDS to get additional information

Good luck!!!

S.

The others have given you wonderful advice and I don't have much to add to it. My only advice is to try not to let your guilt show to your daughter. If she can sense you're upset about it, she will also be upset. Just tell her that she gets to go play and learn during the day. Make it sound like it's the best thing in the world. With my son, he was so excited to go to daycare because it gave him a chance to play with other kids his age. I would have to say it hurt me more than it hurt him. He didn't even wanna leave there the first couple days because he was having so much fun.

Hi H.-

I went through this with my son when he was a year old and now my daughter is going in to daycare and she will be a little over 6 months old. Honestly, the first day and that first week were the hardest. I sat in my car and cried that first day after dropping him off. Every Mom I've talked to about dropping their kids off the first day said they did the same thing. As long as you've chosen a good day care that you feel comfortable with - things will fall in to place.

To transition your daugher (if possible), start taking her to daycare a couple of times a week for a few hours before you have to go back to work. We did this with my son and it was really nice not having the pressure to be in work yet and practice the routine. Not only did I get good lesson in how long prepping him, dressing, traveling, etc took, I also went to the hairdresser and ran other errands in preparation for my job starting. We did the part time schedule for a couple of weeks, then moved to a regular full time schedule. We also shopped for a new lunch bag, new book bag, and a sleeping bag for his new school. Your daughter is the perfect age to make that sort of shopping trip fun for her. You could also drive by and show her the building or bring her in to meet the teachers and kids before she starts.

Your daughter should be fine - and you will be too (after a couple of days) Your daughter will probably surprise you after she adjusts to the new place - she may not want to leave at the end of the day! I wish you the best of luck and hope your daughter has lots of fun.