Daycare/kindy/playcentre & when to start?
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Topic: Daycare/kindy/playcentre & when to start?
Posted By: Katep
Subject: Daycare/kindy/playcentre & when to start?
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 3:22pm
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So I am starting to think that it might be handy to have DD in some sort of care when number 2 comes in september. I was never keen on putting her into daycare before she was 2, but I think for my sanity and hers, it would be a good idea to concider it.
So, 2 questions.... what is the deal with playcentres/daycares/kindys. Is it just a adifferent name or do they do different things?I have never understood the differences. I would like something with some sort of structure (as in organised activities/mat times/lunch times and not just eat as you please...if they exist?) and would prefer for her to be somewhere where the teachers are actually qualified. Which would you suggesT? and, when do you think the best time is to start her there? Before number 2 comes, so I can focus on her adjusting, the same time as number 2 is arriving or after we are settled with number 2 and then send her off? Pros and cons to the situaltion. She will be 14months when number 2 is due. Thanks!!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 3:27pm
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I don't know anything about playcentre so can't help you with that.
Kindy will be out for quite a while yet as its usually from 2.5 at the mimimum. Daycare is where Daniel is, he is there for 3 x 3hr blocks. Its fab. They have set times for meals and snacks, they sit down and do activities and loads of freeplay and messy play. In daycare the teachers are either qualified or working towards their qualification. Personally I'd say it would be better to either put her in a bit before #2 comes or quite a bit after. You wouldn't want her to feel like shes being put somewhere because of the new arrival. eta: every place is different, it pays to go and spend some time in each place you might consider and see what you like. daycares vary widely here and some have long waiting lists so its best to get onto it quickly if you want her in before #2 arrives |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 3:57pm
just to address this... sometimes having somewhere else for the older child is not such a good thing. you have to consider the pick ups and drop offs while you have the newborn and it can be a bit of a pain in the backside to coordinate it all. and yeah kindy usually from about 3. daycare i know nothing about but the name to me suggests pretty much what they do - they care for your child during the day. i dont know wether anything other than just caring for them is involved tho. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Katep wrote:Posted By: LeahandJoel
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 4:39pm
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Playcentre is a parent run place so you stay and participate etc....they have the same areas of play as kidy and daycare but its not drop off. -------------  
 
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Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 4:52pm
Dropping her off would be no problem, as DF has his own business, therefore can leave as he pleases to do as I say ...until I can manage anyways.
Playcentre....really? No drop off at all? That's out of the question then. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 5:12pm
ah well in that case maybe you wont need daycare after all! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 5:23pm
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My daughter has been going for two sessions a week since she was 5 months old. It's called a private kindegarten, but run more as a preschool. It's only 4yrs old, the staff and ratios are amazing, the facilities are awesome and she gets a decent mix of structual and free play.
I value the time to do the things I want to for me, scrapbook, knit, clean etc, so that I can have more time for Hollie when she is around. She looks forward to it too, She's 14months now and when I say 'Hollie, kindy?' she gets her bag, and puts her lunchbox and sunhat on top of it. She's gets interaction with groups of other kids, and stimulated in a way which I just can't match at home. Find a centre that you trust, with staff you like. Visit a million times if you need to, and then go in, all guns blazing. You'll both be thankful for it edited to add: obviously this is all IMHO, and as the centre is owned by my inlaws I get to know the staff etc at a level most parents don't, making it alot easier for me. |
Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 5:52pm
Why would I ask if I didn't need it? I am just explaining why it wouldn't be a problem. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 5:56pm
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I think its great socialising for children to spend a bit of time each week in a daycare environment..........away from mum and dad. Its good for them to socialise, but its also good for them to be around other adults so they can see a different dynamic than just their parents etc.........Ive only ever seen good come from a child spending time in a daycare (obviously not dusk til dawn 5days a week)
Thats great your DH can do the drop offs and pick ups cos that would be a pain...........of course just cos he works from home doesnt mean he can also watch you other one cos im sure he has work to get done so you still have an income. I would highly recommend putting in soon even if just for one afternoon a week.......but personally i think children adjust better if its spread across the week say mon, wed & fri so they dont have to readjust every time they go again since it wouldve been so many days since they last went if once a week........but towards the end of your pregnancy you will treasure the moments you can put your "cankles up" Oh and put your filtering cap on also, cos you will be made to feel guilty..........theres a fair few people out there that are "against" children going into care and feel that if you have children you should do it all until your children start school, and these children are the ones that have the worst time adjusting and socialising as its all new to them and they havent learned how to adjust to new environments. Good luck, doing the right thing for you as well as your children is a hard balance but a happy mum make a happy home |
Posted By: mumtooboys
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 9:25pm
I don't understand this mentality that SAHP don't 'socialise' their kids. I'm not locked in my house 24 hours a day 7 days a week; there's playgroups, coffee mornings with other SAHP, gym, swimming etc. DS2 is way more outgoing than DS1 was at a similar age, he loves going to new places and meeting new people and he has no issue being left with people other than me or DP even though I have been at home with him 24/7 for nearly 2.5 years. DS1 was in daycare from 5 months old out of necessity, he stayed in until he went to school and he was no better or worse adjusted than kids I know whose parents stayed at home with them. DS1 was in daycare already when DS2 was born (he was 4 at that time) because we both worked but he had the option on whether he wanted to carry on going. He stayed home for about 2 days after DS2 was born, but was then ready to be back with his friends. Playcentre is a parent run cooperative so you are required to be an active participant and hang around. Once they hit about 2.5 and you've been going a while you can drop them off for their session but you are then required to attend another session to supervise. Kindy is for older children, don't know much about them but it is usually a morning or afternoon session a couple of times a week if you are lucky. Daycare is self explanatory. Personally I would rather have someone who LOVED their job and was not qualified than someone who was qualified but just using it as a 'filler' while they decided what they wanted to do with their lives. If I was to want to put DS2 into some sort of childcare situation I would prefer an in home service where the ratio of kids to adults is smaller. Do what feels right for you, but I found pick up/ drop off to be a pain at times and it made me feel a bit disconnected from DS1 at times as well. I also started taking it personally that he'd rather not be with me all day.  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 11 February 2010 at 10:45pm
That is a bit of a gross generalisation  Socialising doesn't only come in the form of daycare. And as said by another member, which fits well here - Only YOU can make yourself feel guilty!
Katep - I agree with a PP, maybe starting your DD a wee bit before new bubs arrives. Good luck with finding somewhere which works for you all
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Posted By: zoeymil
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 8:00am
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Hi Katep
I am an Early Childhood Teacher and a working mum. Somethings to ask or think about when choosing a centre is the Staff/child ratios.. in the centre i have chosen for my daughter the ratio 1:2 this is excellent. Also ask about how they do their caregiving routines such as bottles, nappies, sleeps- do they have a primary caregiving system ,meaning 1 teacher takes responsiblity for you child and ensures all there needs are met and they form a nice close bond or do they have shared responisblity and all have turns doing 'routines'. How many children do they have in the environment where my daughter goes they only take 8 under twos and it's great , where i work we take 15 under twos and it's great too but different. Also depending on where you live if you have a choice look around , do the staff make you feel welcomed?? , is the environment calm and inviting?? These are just somethings to think about.. Good Luck its an important desisions putting your child into someone elses care and you should take time to look around and find a place that suits you. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 10:25am
yep, what she said! also, and completely irrelevant i know but, i am one of those people who dont understand why you would need/want to put a child into daycare if you stay at home with your kids. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 10:41am
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Thanks for many answers, obviously with kindy and playcentre it narrows down the confusion. Now I need to get out there and physically look.
Bizzy- I really dont understand you. I asked a question about putting a child into DC which is something you obviously have no idea about. You said yourself, you dont understand why a SAHM would do it. Maybe you should spend less time on here and more time with your kids considering you seem to think you are a fabulous mum. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 10:55am
We have 2 simple reasons: 1. my sanity 2. socialisation - I don't do playgroup or coffee groups. I went to one and got bored sh*tless |
Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 10:59am
Katep, personal attacks really aren't neccesary. If you don't agree with/like a comment, then saying so or better yet ignoring them should suffice. What you have typed is plain rude. |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 11:17am
firstly i never said i was a fabulous mum, thanks for thinking i do though! secondly i answered your post cause you mentioned kindy and i do know about kindy. and i have had more than one child and do know that disruptions after a new baby can be a bit more traumatic. and lastly i never said dont put your child in daycare, i said i dont understand it which doesnt mean that i cant offer my advice as to when etc, which is what you asked. You dont need anyones permission to put your child in daycare and you dont have to listen to what anyone on here says either... but isnt it great that you have a better idea of what you want now you have asked the question. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 11:28am
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Sorry Bizzy it wasn't meant to be a personal attack, although I guess it sounds it, I do admit. I guess what you said made me feel like a failure for wanting some non DD1 time, I know that wasn't your intention, just your opinion. I will be first to admit that I am scared sh!tless to have a NB and 14monther.
------------- http://lilypie.com">
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 11:44am
Fear of the unknown is understandable. But you know what you will cope and probably surprise yourself with how well too. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 12:08pm
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Wow seriously I think we all need to start taking a bit of a deep breath before replying to threads.
As for my opinion (yip my own and it is up to you if you want to listen to it or not) Bizzy is entitled to say she doesnt understand why ect ect..... Does she need to voice that opinion... Well this is a forum so yip she is.... Do you need to agree? No As for the original question. I did some looking around when McKayla was small. and this is what I found. Daycare sometimes want you to put them in whole day although some of them allow you to do only a few hours. The ratio can differ quite a lot from place to place (so check up) and generally for the under twos the ratio will be smaller. Then the cost of it is a bit higher than the other options. Your involvement: Not that much.Some places have set routines where others are a bit more freeplay involved and some have a combination (so once again will only know if you go visit a few times) Kindy: most kindy's start at age 3. Cost is minimal and here and there you might be asked to be on mothers help. So bit more involvement from you as a parent. They do some freeplay and some set activities. Playcentre: (we do this) Each centre can be quite a bit different. Parents run it so lots of work from you to make it run. But can be lots of fun and they can be a lot of help when new bubs arrive. You have to stay on session (depending on your centre however) some have drop off sessions but usually their is some requirements to that. Like for instance the Howick Playcentre was for the 4 year old extended sessions. Had to go for set up and clean up and mothershelp here and there. Or someone else takes your kiddy to session and you swop again on another day if you have done course 2 (yip you do free courses to help the centre run) In my new one there is 2 sessions that we can drop off from age 3 and you are expected to do your mothershelp days when rostered on (very much like kindy). It is child innitiative and a mixed age group. So see what fits in for your family and works with your believes on raising your child and go from there. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 12:18pm
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My DD attends daycare 3 days a week, she was doing this when I was working and now that our new baby is here she still goes for her 3 days. If you can afford it I completely recommend it. I'll cheerfully admit that I like having time away from a rather noisy and demanding toddler to let me have one on one time with my youngest daughter! I like the continuation of my eldest's routine as well, she is thriving in daycare and I didn't want to rearrange her life completely around the new baby.
Interestingly, all the mums I know who used daycare for baby#1 and have had a second have continued with some sort of daycare (even if its reduced hours) for baby #1 after baby #2 comes along. So I think daycare probably sounds like the best solution for your little girl, and yes I would start at least a month or two out from your due date. ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 12:34pm
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LMAO - everyone take a deep breath and step back from the computer!
anyways - my 10 cents - DC all the way - I work fulltime and run home buisness (call me sucker!) and DC is a saviour - and i have the most social kid around...not just cause of DC but she does stand out a lot around non daycare kids (eg at pools, parks etc) - and you would have to see her to know why some people make the socialisation comments! However we have plenty of kids at DC who arent that socialised - it is a mix of home, DC and lifestyle and the child themselves! Playcentre - SO not me!!! Coffee groups - were ok til they found out what I did for a job (lol took them 4 months! and only cause i was returning to work) and when I wasnt going to be a SAHM I was uninvited basically! and really they are too hard to get to if you work anyways! Kindy - full day ones to me would be an option maybe if DC was no longer! or maybe for a number 2 or 3 or 4 child (LOL!) Kindy that is in sessions - again that doesnt fit for anyone who works fulltime! so for ME (well us... if DH does count!) - Fulltime (7 30 - 5 30) Daycare daycare all the way!!!! If we pop twins or triplets as result of IUI one day then will likely be a DC / Nanny (Au Pair) mix or a full session kindy / DC / Nanny (Au Pair) mix for our family! adding - oh yeah timing - I would see when she would move from one room to another at the DC especially - eg at 18 months so dont throw her in at 12 months Id put her in at say 8-9 months or so in order to not have too many changes too often! some change rooms at 12 months so maybe put her in now - or at 12 months into that room. They are all VERY different!!! |
Posted By: anon
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 1:26pm
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It's easy for things to get heated with topics like this because everyone feels so passionately about it. I am passionate about staying at home with my kids, and we go out all the time socializing (though he is still young). I used to be a nanny and it breaks my heart how little time some parents spend with their children. Sometimes it's by choice, and sometimes it's not - it's hard financially and such a sacrifice to choose to stay at home.
I think there is a lot of guilt associated with parents going back to work. I think we've really got to think hard about what's in our best interest and our child's best interest and somehow find the balance knowing that our children need 1) time with us, and 2) time to socialize. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Natalie_G
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 1:28pm
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My DD has been in full time daycare since August 09. She LOVES it, she has created a great bond with other children and doesnt cry when I leave.
I am finishing work in May and I would love to keep her there even if its 2 days a week. (I am going back to uni full time) being with mummy all day can be boring daycare rocks  .
Although I miss her every single minute she isnt with me I always wonder what she is doing. With you have a new baby in September, I would totally go for putting DS in a daycare for even 1 day, it gives you time out with your new baby which every mum needs from time to time. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 1:40pm
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We do playdates, cofee groups, swim, starting music/movement etc, so Leah is really social. I do worry that with the first month or 2 I wont be able to simply go out and do the same sort of things with her, so I do worry about Leah being at home all the time. It would more be for a social thing over the having time away from her thing. I am only thinking 2 mornings a week or something.
I actually have always said that I waould never put my babies in DC beofre 2or 3 years, but I guess things change. We have actually never left Leah for more than an hour (that was with my mum) so my biggest chalenge will probably be taking her and leaving her  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 1:45pm
You will be all good Kate Im all good and have the same age gap
Im not sure on the daycare/kindy thing, I dont plan on sending Caden to kindy until he is over 3, but you do whatever is right for your family
ETA - I still do all the same things I did before Bella was born, she gets dragged along everywhere so she has just adjusted as she knwos no different :) Im not stuck at home all day everyday(Id go mental lol) And like you, my biggest thing about daycare etc is having to leave Caden there, Ive never left him very long before and it would break my heart...but I know Ive got to do it at some point. ------------- |
Posted By: NovemberMum
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 2:53pm
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before my daughter was born I had no intention of putting her into daycare as I was going to be staying at home and even after she was born it was the same.
However I got pregnant and part way through my pregnancy and she started to become quite demanding and I was tired..so made the decision (not made lightly) to put her in daycare...as all I wanted to do was sleep so wasnt fair to have me sleeping and have her stuck inside. she started going around 19 months I wanted to get her in well before her brother arrived so by the time he got here it was just a part of her life. I didnt want her to associate the baby with being sent to daycare and resenting baby. she goes 2 days a week for 5 hours each day. she loves it now and when I drop her off she will just take off to play outisde. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 3:29pm
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Thomas has been at pre-school since he was 8 months old. He went so early because I was sick with PND and needed a break and also I was looking at going back to work - which didnt happen!
I love picking him up each day and seeing all the new lovely words and skills he's learned. I didnt know the difference between the different types of centres tbh - all I knew was kindy was for 3-4 year olds! Our place does from birth - 4 but only does normal school hours. Its been nothing but a blessing having him there - especially with this pregnancy being a rough-ish one. I'll be glad that he's still got some sort of 'normality' in his life when his sister arrives. God knows the house will be in a total uproar! I wish you nothing but luck! Check out your centres really well - just drop in on the offchance you can have a look around, dont bother with appointments etc (I only say that because someone on here told me to do that!) ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 3:32pm
| Just a note that daycares have a minimum amount of hours (which tends to depend on age) that they have to attend if you going to send them. For my daycare its 9hrs for Daniels age, 12hrs for 3+ yr olds.. That they divde up into 3 x 3hr blocks. And also being a part timer you usually don't get to just choose your days and times to suit you.. They told us what times they could take daniel and I just choose 3 of those, he goes wed/thurs avo and fri morn. I would have prefered mon,wed,fri but it was not to be. |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 3:43pm
it'll get easier :-) I had C in creche at an early age and she loved it (I was a single mum and went back to work ) DH doesn't want me to go back to work ,and as Im one of the laziest people in the world, that suits me fine
I think Daycare is probably a good option for you and it will give you time during the day that you can just focus on baby #2 without feeling guilty for it , and then when your girl gets home , you can spend some guilt free time with her . But most of all I think that you have to do whats best and what works the most for you and your family , best of luck ------------- 
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:11pm
Just an aside - but I hate hearing us DC mummys having to JUSTIFY why our kids are in DC.....theres no need to - they are in DC - its our choice and right! Please working mummys and those with kids in DC for whatever other reason - DONT justify your decisions to chose DC for your children! SAHMs dont justify their decisions to stay home so why should we!!!! and BAH to those who comment about time with parents issues for DC kids - those who know us personally know that our child has so much to do in her life with us it isnt funny! Most DC kids dont lack in time spent with them - so long as parents put in the time....same as if any SAHM chooses to watch tv or go to malls and cafes etc all day thats not best time - whereas some SAHMs otherwise take the time to BE with their kids.... |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:22pm
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We're starting Harry at kindy 2 mornings a week, purely because I think him, the baby and I will all benefit - he'll get a change of scene and a chance to burn off energy and try new things, I'll get a bit of a break, and will be able to spend one-on-one time with the baby. So I totally understand why you're wondering about some sort of care for when your wee one is born - particularly as your oldest will be a lot younger than Harry, I think you'll need a break even more so!
I'm really happy about our decision for Harry to go to kindy 2 mornings a week, it actually really just seems to make sense. He'll still have lots of time at home and I'll be able to take him to mainly music, coffee group etc - but will have that break to look forward to as well. Plus it will be handy when scheduling appointments (plunket, doctors etc), it will be so much easier only having a baby at those things. A small creche type place would probably be ideal for you eh - because they wouldn't have the same requirements that daycare have re: minimum hours. So you could send her for 2 mornings a week for a example. Harry's just turned 2 and he's going to a private kindy (they can start from 2 years there). ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:23pm
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Bombshell I dont even think it is just DC moms justifying them putting kids in DC. You often get SAHM moms justifying why they took a bit of a break and feeling quilty for now doing more.
I think is is a woman thing. We all feel like we should always justify our choices. From breastfeeding to extend breastfeeding to formula feeding to chosing to have drugs in labour or not, from being a routine mom to a demand mom. Seriously we should all give each other a bit of a break. For me it really is easy: First one. Mommy happy usually means baby happy (and that might mean different situations for different families and you need to find a solution that works for your family and your situation) And second one: If you ask for advice or an opinion you are going to get it from different people with different believes and different backgrounds. Take what you need from it that fits with your situation and ignore the rest. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:25pm
Well said!! Totally agree with all this ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:44pm
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Smoody.............well done and so nicely said!!!! we should all stop riding each other for our decisions, we as Mums should know that its a hard enough job and at times thankless without other women riding us for our decisions............and its not like we take our decisions lightly, we think long and hard about what we end up doing and we hope that we are making the right choices based on our circumstances.........and unless someone has walked a mile in others shoes you shouldnt pass judgement.........
come on ladies lets unite(right will get down from soapbox now and feed my children) |
Posted By: anon
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 4:57pm
I agree! It's tough - you get quite judged being a mummy. I don't know why! It's a hard, wonderful, thankless job! At the end of the day we are all just doing our best... In defense of myself re: the mention of time, however - as a nanny prior to becoming a mummy, I have cared for a lot of children that did NOT have sufficient time with their parents. I am in total disagreement with it and I am not trying to cause controversy but I really do think some kids are really paying for parents putting their careers first. Not suggesting anyone here is. Just an observation. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kiwisj
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 5:14pm
I've seen this too, in my time as a nanny, but I was fortunate enough that the first family I worked for back home in NZ was so NOT like this ..... it's what made me want to have kids! I still think of my first boss as a real role model of how I'd like my life to be when we come home (I can't work here anyway). ------------- SJ Callum - Dec 2008 Daniel - Oct 2010 |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 8:59pm
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Good God, ladies! Put your bloody claws away!!!!
Its a personal decision and one only you can make for yourselves, and you do not have to justify ANY parenting decision you make to anyone, not even to yourself.. in fact you will find if you do, you end up feeling worse as nosy parkers will weigh in with thier two cents. (unsheathes claws for a tiny tick) And, just my two cents worth here, I think those who have worked in ECE or as nannies etc will find it is different when YOU are the parent. You are being paid to do a job, not to judge why people use ECE or carers etc. *claws in* ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: Phat_Cat
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 9:19pm
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I agree with past nannies, i too was a nanny AND ive worked in a childcare centre before having my boys & unfortunitly there are parents who DONT put their children first.
You have to just take on board the differences katep & go from there. Maybe visit a few daycares & kindy & just see what their charter is as already said each is different then make your decision from there. I understand why your thinking this my two are close together (18 months apart) & there are days when the terror tot is just being that & my younger one doesnt get a look in attention wise. Luckily hes really laid back. We do alot of socialising with Storytime, mainly music, wriggle & rhyme, athletics, & tiny tumblers infact mondays is our stay at home day, however once the terror tot turns 3 he will be going to kindy (we cant afford it right now thats a whole different story) just so that he can have some away from mummy time & vise versa & I dont have a problem in saying that as that is what suits my cirumstances ------------- Tristen - 24/06/07 Rylan - 11/12/08 Angel Babies -14/08/05 & 21/01/2010 Curtis - 26/02/12 |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 9:23pm
| kate, I know you said no to playcentre, but I found it a godsend with a toddler and a newborn. I would sit and feed taine, while Jake would run around in a safe area. everyone was lovely and really helpful. i found that i could still spend time with Jake, while relaxing with taine. So would fully recommend it. some playdentres can be clicky though so if you go and you don't like the people, try another one. |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 12 February 2010 at 11:04pm
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Kate, just remember that Leah will still be having a good nap when the baby's born so you will have a break. I honestly haven't found it that hard having 2 (except for the fact that #2 was a demon - but that has no bearing on handling 2 at all really, just that she was difficult).
I had Jack in Dc at 5 months, Ava at 5 weeks, only because of work. I would think DC would be your best bet, but most do have set hours or minimum hours. I only had Jack in for 5 weeks by himself before I went back to work and TBH it was a right PITA picking up and dropping off simply for a few hours break. I'll probably be pulled up on this but, as a mother (or any parent), your break is when the kids go to bed. Our mothers all did it without having to put the kids in DC without you going to work. My Nana had 11 months between her 4th and 5th kids and she didn't feel the need to put them in DC - you honestly do cope (it's what we were made to do). But, if you can justify the expense, yeah I would go for DC. I do have an issue with people thinking their kids need to go to DC to socialise though - most of us didn't go to kindy or anything until 2.5-3 and I would think we're managing quite well. |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 13 February 2010 at 8:48am
nicely said emz  i agree.
i had a thought this morning too. You might want to factor the sick factor in. I have heard so many mums say that their child got sick for the first month or so when they started daycare while their bodies got used to all the extra germs... and even tho it doesnt affect all kids it might affect yours. So potentially you could be dealing with a sick baby while pregnant if you put her in at say 12 mths old. if you look at the boards you can see that there are some huge differences in centres so definitley it would be shopping around thing, and i suppose too that money would come into it as well if you are on a single income. One of the biggest things that influenced me when i was looking at kindy was the people who worked there. How were they with the kids? did the kids react well to them? all that kind of stuff. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: anon
Date Posted: 13 February 2010 at 12:37pm
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Yeah, for the cost of daycare, you could get an Au Pair instead - we hire them out through my nanny agency at the same price. I have to say, a lot of mums end up at home taking sick leave coz their child gets sick so much from daycare! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 13 February 2010 at 1:21pm
 we agree on something?!
Definitely depends on the kid for the sick factor, but yes it can take a while. My cousin (although her son is constantly sick with all sorts of things, he's like a magnet for disease) put her son back in at DC the same time she started back at work and she had to pull him out and get an in-home carer (one that didn't mind him being sick as she had no other kids) as she was always off work (like at least once a week). Also, Jack gave Ava a cold that he got from DC when she was a week old - not ideal at all, and I wouldn't recommend it if you can avoid it (I was working so couldn't). |