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bopmum 
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Joined: 05 November 2008
Location: Tauranga
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 Topic: How many days?
Posted: 10 April 2012 at 4:30pm |
So we are putting DS into daycare - first time he has ever been into any kind of care.
I originally wanted to put him in for 2 half days a week (7.30 til 12pm) from the first day. DH has since suggested that we "ease" him into it with only doing 1 half day for a month and then up it to 2 half days.
DS is a pretty easy going boy and has no trouble being away from us. Usually when we drop him off for a weekend or an afternoon with someone, he is waving goodbye to us and not even watching us leave!
Would love to hear your experiences with this or any suggestions.
Thanks 
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pumpkino
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 4:56pm |
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How old is your son?
We started Toby in daycare for 3 full days a week when he was 10 months old. He hadn't been in any kind of care before that, not even short periods of time with other family members (we had been living overseas).
Our daycare centre had a "settling" policy for the week prior to his actual start date, whereby I took him for a visit on one day when I stayed the whole time (just half an hour or so). On the second day I left him there for about 45 minutes to an hour. On the third day I left him for a few hours, including a meal and a nap. Then he was straight into full days.
I don't think the length of time/number of days really makes too much difference to the settling in period - it is going to be hard for the first month or so no matter what as you both get used to the whole thing. If anything, two half days would probably be easier so there isn't such a long period between visits.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
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Kellz
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 4:57pm |
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Speak to the daycare- most places would recommend being in a min of 2 half days is easier for the child to settle in than just one session a week.
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kebakat
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 5:43pm |
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Agree with kellz, also some daycares will have a minimum amount they have to be enrolled in
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freckle
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 6:35pm |
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I think it would be easier with two days, it's too far between sessions with only one day
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mum to 3 lovely girls :D
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squoggs
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 6:47pm |
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Are you going back to work or just needing 'time out'? I started my 16mo with one day a week (9-4) as she was completely knackered for a couple of days afterward. Now she does two days. Reason I did full days was that its easier than rushing home at 12 (i run around madly trying to do errands!) and being late - $25/15min late eeek! Also, i think she sleeps well there & toes the line a bit more with other kids around than at home
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bopmum
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 8:03pm |
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We are expecting number 2 at the end of August so wanted to get him into something else but also he is a pretty full on boy - full of life and needs a little bit extra other than just me all the time.
DS turned 2 in Feb.
Thanks for the replied ladies. I thought 2 half days would be better than 1 as like some of you said, too far in between visits.
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Bky
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Posted: 10 April 2012 at 8:36pm |
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Would repeat the suggestion to talk to the Daycare and see what the minimums are. I know the one we use has a requirement of at least 2 consecutive days (full or half doesn't matter). I also agree that 2 days would be better.
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7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015
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HuMum
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Posted: 11 April 2012 at 7:53am |
We did the same with DS when DD came and we put him in for 2 full days 9-3. This worked great as he was able to make friends by seeing them 2 days in a row. We decided on full days not only so he got used to it, (I'm going back to work soon) but also because otherwise I'd just have him dropped off and DD settled in bed and it would be time to pick him up again.
I'm pleased I did whole days as DD was a slow feeder to start with so I spent most of the day on the couch, and DS was very full on on the days he wasn't at daycare... It also gives me plenty of time to do groceries etc with only one child. A blessing. 
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Kellz
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Posted: 11 April 2012 at 8:38am |
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My DS is the same age as yours- was 2 yrs in Jan- he does 9-12am 2 mornings a week and loves it!
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LG
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Posted: 11 April 2012 at 9:27pm |
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My DD1 is also the same age as yours, most places i contacted had a minimum enrollement of 3 days or sessions a week. She goes to preschool 9-3 2 days a week, she had 3 visits to ease her in before she started, 1 with me there and then the next 2 with me leaving her for longer times. Hope your son loves it
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 Angel Baby Aug '12, Feb '13
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How many days?
