childcare VS Nanny?

[scorpio83]

I started my three year old in daycare two days a week and after a few weeks, she's decided she hates it and completely melts down if I take her. I am trying one last time to get her to go back before I dcide to get a nanny. I am after any information anyone has about the pros and cons of having a nanny and any recommendations of nanny companies in the outer SE suburbs of Victoria. TIA!:D

[MummaBear03]

I don't know if a nanny is subsidised at all. Not sure of any because it's too expensive so not something I would look at. Sorry, that's not helpful, just thought I'd say that they are expensive.

[forbetoel]

There a a few mums on here who use a nanny and love it. I hope they see this thread.

I would prefer a nanny if I had to choose.

If your DD is unhappy, I think it is great that you are looking at alternative arrangements. :thumbsup:

[OneNowOneLater]

As a former nanny (i worked overseas) I have to say, if your dd hates going to childcare, a private nanny would probably suit her better.

I dont know what the pricing is for nannies here in australia (as far as i know, they are pretty expensive like mummabear03 stated), but chances are, you'll need to find one that "gels" with your dd, otherwise, she may say that she hates her too, and then you'll be back at square one.

[authenticbabe]

Hey scorpio83, up until a couple of months ago i worked in a daycare centre so i have a couple of questions. Did she always react like this when you took her there?? And i know she is only 3 but have you asked her why she doesnt like it there. Often the kids (at the daycare) i worked at that were having this sort of problem, it was mostly a localised problem with 1 or 2 of the children that had been at the centre for longer. Have you spoken to the carers about it, maybe they can shed some light on something.
But unfortunately like everyone has said nannys can be pretty pricy.
Good luck with everything and i hope ou find something to make her feel happy:)

[scorpio83]

No, she didn't always act like this, it started a couple of weeks ago. I've tried asking her but she's not very good at vocalising her problems yet, and the staff have discussed it and said they aren't aware of any problems as to why she might start acting this way. My first thought was that one of the other kids and her might not get along, but she's fine as long as I stay, or the staff focus solely on her, so I think it may be more seperation anxiety. I think with a nanny she'll be better because she won't have to share attention with other kids. She's an only child so that might be part of it.

I did some research and found a site that said registered nanny providers can be claimed on CTB, so that's why I came here for some advice. I have found a few companies that I'm going to call, I'm just not sur what I should be asking and how much I should expect to pay.

[kezzaskids]

If a nanny doesnt work out have you thought of family daycare? Small groups of up to five children cared for in someones home. If you go through a local scheme you get ccb and the 50% rebate it is regulated and very homelike.

[Issey]

not really answering your question i suppose but the family daycare might be an option, at least then your child has the interaction with other children which i think is important for socialisation skills and it is a more homely environment.

my DS used to cry every morning when i dropped him off (he goes 3 days) but i think it is a stage like you said: separation anxiety, he was fine after 5min when i had gone, he likes going now as he has built a few little friendships he is 2.5yrs.

what suggestions do the carer's have as it must be a common problem.

[scorpio83]

We've changed her routine, ie: she starts earlier and finishes sooner, but we'll see how it goes. She was really upset when I left, but they haven't called me yet so maybe she settled once I left. If I went with the nanny option, I would be taking her to playgroup instead so she can still play with other kids, but I'd be there with her. It's hard, but I'm really going to go with what is right for her, and if she doesn't settle then I'll look at some alternatives. When I originally started looking at daycare, I did look at family daycare, but where I'm living it's not as regulated and has fewer conditions for carers so I decided against it. might be worth looking at again though. Thanks for the help ladies!

[cheezelz]

Have they said if she is ok after you leave. It took my DD 6 weeks to stop crying when I left and walked out. I just had to be strong and persisitant with the routine and she has learnt that I do come back. She did violently scream for me when I left but the staff told me that after about 5 minutes she stopped, realised that I had gone and went on her merry way. Now when I pick her up she might be a bit teary if she is tired or most often she takes me off to play and doesnt want to leave.

[scorpio83]

The last few times she hasn't settled even after I left, and they ended up calling me to come get her! Hopefully she's ok. I can't help stressing though!

[Jules16]

Just wondered how you went with the childcare in the end. Did you end up getting a nanny?

[MummyDaddy]

Compared to DayCare a nanny costs an exhorbitant amount of money.

I'd be working through the issues of why DD hates DayCare and teaching the lesson that we can't always do everything we want.

OR - look for an alternate daycare centre, maybe smaller - a cooperative.

If you can afford a nanny - go for it! I know if I could afford one I would have one.