Daycare-what's your opinion?

**MflUicM** · 13-12-2009 19:52

I am currently at a crossroads in my life, confused and at a complete loss on what to do. I am hoping you can help me!

I am wondering whether or not to return to work 2-3 days a week and putting my ds, who will be one when/if I decide to do this in day care. I have tried researching but it's all so confliciting. Honestly though, more people seem to be against it then for it at his age.
Ideally, I would love to stay at home. I love spending my time with him, watching his development, sharing his smiles and tears. However, we do need some extra money-even just an extra $100 a week would be great! And the idea of getting back into the work force part-time is appealing. My DP thinks it's a no-brainer. DS will be happy with other kids, and DP was a daycare kid and he said he turned out fine, it's a simple and easy as that.
I am not so easily conviced.

So, what are your thoughts on this issue? I do know they range dramatically from parent to parent. But I am very interested in hearing different opinions.

I just want what is best for my DS, and I would hate for him to think I am abandoning him.

TIA. x.x

**Myztiks#1Fan** · 13-12-2009 19:58

i say go for it. i love daycare and wish i put my son in earlier than what i did. he has gained so much from it and i honestly believe its been one of the best things i have ever done for him. hoping to keep him at the same centre right up until he starts prep now as they have a kindy program as well.

**Ffrenchknickers** · 13-12-2009 20:01

My personal opinion is that 1 is too young. I strongly believe that if you can stay at home to raise your kids then you should. They are only tiny for such a short time, they reallly are. No one can ever look after them as well as you and there is no one better to teach them and model life skills than you.

I believe 4 or even 5 is a good age to start....no younger.

Good luck with it.

**MumNeedsCoffee** · 13-12-2009 20:08

Don't go googling the opinions on daycare, it scared the s*** out of me.

It depends on your situation, you're doing nothing wrong if you need to put your child in daycare to earn the money to provide for your family. Daycare can be beneficial, your child has the chance to interact with other children and can play games etc.

But you're also doing nothing wrong if you choose to sacrifice some expenses and stay home with your child as long as possible. After all, no one can care for your child better than you.

Sorry I'm not helping you make a decision but I think if you're uncomfortable putting your child in daycare and you can stay at home then do that.

**Myztiks#1Fan** · 13-12-2009 20:19

another thing i want to add though is if your heart belongs at home with your DS and your not into working all that much, perhaps staying at home would be for the best for time being. working is a part of who i am. when i stopped working, i lost a part of myself and i also didnt enjoy being at home either. i couldnt do SAHM.

i wish you best on the choice you make as i would hate for someone to regret to go to work when they dont want to. sometimes work can just appear to be all that however after a few weeks, sometimes not even that long, people regret their choice

**nothanksbye** · 13-12-2009 20:24

I am totally anti daycare lol...so expect a different opinion.

I think its a necessary evil.
I think its not that good for children and especially under 3.

IMO They dont learn socialisation, they learn survival of the fittest.
Children that young need to learn sharing and it is best learned with mum and dad.
Mum and dad wont hit back or scream or snatch.

IMO a worker does not have the time to sit and teach one child all day. Kids learn to copy and mimic and daycare isnt always the best place to learn.

I just think that kids are better off at home with a single care giver and learn slowly and lovingly.

This is just my opinion and I totally respect that some parents have no choice.

**Ffrenchknickers** · 13-12-2009 20:26

Originally Posted by Asabusymum

I am totally anti daycare lol...so expect a different opinion.

I think its a necessary evil.
I think its not that good for children and especially under 3.

IMO They dont learn socialisation, they learn survival of the fittest.
Children that young need to learn sharing and it is best learned with mum and dad.
Mum and dad wont hit back or scream or snatch.

IMO a worker does not have the time to sit and teach one child all day. Kids learn to copy and mimic and daycare isnt always the best place to learn.

I just think that kids are better off at home with a single care giver and learn slowly and lovingly.

This is just my opinion and I totally respect that some parents have no choice.

**kylza** · 13-12-2009 20:35

My ds was exactly one when he went to daycare at first I felt a little guilty, but now he is 20 months old and has come ahead in leaps and bounds.
The daycare he goes to is reasonably small (approx 6 to a room 0-2 age) with 2 teachers.
He loves it and it has helped him develop in more ways than one. He was always a VERY fussy eater but gobbles up all his food when seated with the other kiddies. He brings paintings/artwork home nearly everyday he goes.
He attends 2 days a week, one day I work from home (bookwork for our business) and the other day I actually work in our shop.
Do your research, suss out a few daycares and don't rush into anything.
Goodluck

**Opinionated** · 13-12-2009 20:37

Personally, I don't think a day care center is great for kids so young, but I think family day care is awesome. My youngest started at 18 months in family day care. At most, the carer has 4 pre-school age children. Being such a small group in a home environment, they are much more able to cater to the child's individual needs like nap times, and rather than your child having to get to know or deal with a number of carers and relief staff when carers are away there is only one. I think it is a much more natural environment.

I was really dubious about family day care initially. I worried that there was no one but the carer there most of the time, so how do you really know what goes on? However, after meeting with our carer, I just knew that she was the one and she is regularly "popped in on" by management of family day care. Most days, she only has her kids and mine. Occasionally when one of her kids is elsewhere there will be a different child. It is great and the kids love going to daycare. When I ask what we will do tomorrow, they usually answer "go to xxxx's house?" They love it and so do I.

The other bonus of family day care is that since they come into contact with a lot fewer children, they pick up a lot less bugs.

Check out all the care options available before you decide.

Guest · 13-12-2009 20:40

I'm not in your situation but if it was me I think after 2 or even 3. 1 seems so young to be able to interact and socialise with other kids and I think they still need loads of one on one interaction especially when they are just starting to walk and talk? And for me I want to be the one who will influence my child the most in these early years.