L.B. asks from Plano, TX on July 27, 2008
Trying to Make a Decision
I have a 2 year old daughter, and I am trying to decide whether to send her to pre-school 3 days a week (mom's day out) or keep her home this fall. We are self employed so having uninterrupted time makes things easier and more work done at home. My oldest two children always went to pre-school, and they will be in 2nd and Kindergarten this fall. With the gas and food cost going up, my husband and I want to work on paying off of our debts such as our family vehicle. We would definitely save on gas too. If we keep our daughter home, we would be able to pay it off faster, but on the other hand I am concerned about finding a way to keep her busy. She is the youngest one, and the most challenge child I have had to deal with. When my oldest two were in preschool 3 days a week, they went to the gym with my mom on the alternative days (two days a week) for up to 3 hours so that really helped giving me the time I need to focus at work or do things around the house. If I keep her home this year, she will probably go to the gym with my mom 2 days a week, but what could I do to keep her busy at other times? I can't just put her in front of t.v. all day. How do I structure a time for her to do things? What about socialization? That part concerns me a bit with not having much interaction. Maybe we could just try out see how this fall goes with out her being in a program, and if it gets too difficult, perhaps enroll her in the spring instead. Any advice or suggestion what we might try?
More Answers
L.H. answers from Dallas on July 27, 2008
I would put her in the Moms Day Out for sure. If you have uninterrupted time to get your work done then when you pick her up you can have uninterrupted time to spend with her. Better for her to go somewhere that is focused on her while you get your work done then to be constently told "not right now honey, momma has to work"
I would also say, don't take it too seriously. If she has a late night, let her sleep in. It is just mdo not school.
Good job in working on paying down your debt!
S. answers from Dallas on July 27, 2008
my only comment is that if you wait until Spring there may not be any MDO programs available. Talk to the director of the program(s) you are interested in and find out whether they have spring openings - that may convince you to go ahead and put her in the MDO.
D.B. answers from Dallas on July 27, 2008
I'd say do the mothers day out program...I think you can pay for that and still probabably find a little to help pay off debt (which is excellent). However, in the long run I think you'd agree that you'd rather have a happy, busy child at MDO while you have a productive work day than a fully paid off car : )! Maybe you can just pay for the Fall and see how it goes and if you think it isn't working don't do the Spring session. I agree with teh other mom that your daughter will be happier at MDO and so will you...and that way you won't feel guilty about having to work during the day. Regardless do what you feel is best for your family...you'll make the right decision!
T.T. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
It sounds like your daughter NEEDS a MDO right now, that might be why she is a bit of a "challenge".
Why not sign her up and send her? Then give her a month to see how she reacts (give a WHOLE month, it takes a while for them to adjust).
Also remember, there's a fine line there where you wait too long to put them in a MDO program and the transition is actually harder than if they were younger.
I know the money thing is a consideration, but I think it will be worth it for you to work uninterrupted and for your daughter to have a social outlet during the week.
Good luck!!
B.B. answers from Dallas on July 28, 2008
It sounds like you've already made up your mind. I think you should send her to MDO. If you really need that time to work and not take care of her all day, that seems like the best option.
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