I am looking for all information regarding infant care, what to look for what not to look for. I am a first time mother and debating on switching jobs and working nights so I don't have to put my child in anyones care but my own.
If you are interested in working at home please visit my web site
I have had great success and I'm able to work with my children by my side. There are a lot of people who do. Or feel free to call me at ###-###-####.
Thanks!
Jenn Smith
http://jennsmith.stayinhomeandlovinit.com
I work from home with a team of Moms. I would love to share with you what I do. i always wanted to stay home with my kids and It was possible for 8 years but things were getting tough on one salary so I was about to start working again and I just couldnt do it. so I found the Stayin Home & Lovin It Team!
My website is http://colleend.stayinhomeandlovinit.com
C.
Mom to Danielle, Nicole, Amanda & Joe-Joe
I love this question because I am a daycare provider :0)...but I'm a little different than most! I run an AP (attachment parenting) GD (gentle disipline) daycare. I'm not really an advocate for putting kids in any daycare...I'm more of a family advocate. (I think that families should be able to be together if that's what they want). I offer my services to people as an alternative to mainstream daycare in case they find themselves in a situation in which they have to go back or want to go back, as I understand that we are not living in a family centered society. In your case, it sounds like you have an alternative to daycare. I would seriously explore that option. You will feel much better about going back to work if your baby isn't in daycare, but instead is with her daddy. If you decide that a night time job will not work for you and you have to go back to work, find a responsive provider. One that will not let your baby cry it out or put her on a feeding schedule that is easy for the provider. Find one that plays with the children, not just supervises. But most importantly, look for a provider whose philosophies match your own. You want to be on the same page with the other people who are helping you raise your baby. Don't put that baby in a daycare center, but instead in a loving home with a provder that is running under ratio. (What I mean by that is that if the state lets her have 6 kids, she is ok with or prefers having only 4 or 5, one of which would be your baby), This will help ensure that your baby gets the attention that she needs.
Conduct a careful search, take notes and call those references. Use your better judgement. If you walk into a daycare for a scheduled interview and the kids are all sitting in front of the TV vegging out - this may not be the place for you. Be mindful of how the provider treats the children, and more importantly how they react to her. (She may try to cover up her real self, but the kids will always display behaviors consistant with how they feel about her). If the kids are hesitant to talk to her, are crying more often than not, seem afraid of her, seem uncomfortable or anything else it's probably not a good place for your baby.
Visit the daycare a few times before commiting. This is an important decision that you are making so make if carefully. Feel free to contact me of list to discuss this issue further.
Oh M....I'm feeling your pain. I return to work on March 1st after a 5 month maternity leave. I started crying last week:( I found someone to watch her in the home setting. To make it easier for me, I started going to her house yesterday for a few hours. I went today for a few hours. My daughter barely noticed me b/c she was so busy wayching the other 2 children and was sooooo engaged. I'm going to do this until next Thursday. Starting on Monday, I will leave for 1 hour. Tuesday maybe 2-3 hours. Wednesday maybe 4-5 hours. By Thursday, my daughter and I both will be adjusted. Baby steps:)
Good luck!!!!!!!
D.
M.,
I agree with the suggestions that Leah P. stated. One bit of advice that I will give also is before you make a commitment of switching jobs a few things you should also remember. Working nights isn't always easier. I did this. I work in a hotel and not able to work days but 3-11. I tried, figuring I would see my two girls and spend more time with the baby, to do the 11pm-7am. What I didn't realize is that I really didn't see them any more. You will need your sleep during the day and you won't get enough taking care of the baby during the day and working at night.
There are some fantastic daycare facilities out there. Most daycares will let you go in and observe prior to making a decision. Don't call and set up an appointment. Walk in and you will see how they run their daycare.
Good luck! P.
