Thinking about Day care?

By the time Codi was 6 months I began to think about Day Care. Having stopped working as a Director in my business and having our first child, I was feeling burnt out. I was now a happy stay at home mom, however, I really thought that at least half a day to myself would be great to charge my batteries and continue to be a better mom.

I planned early, knowing it would be difficult to get Codi into day care as soon as I wanted it. I was told that it would be a 6 month wait. So I just put Codi down for half a day, knowing that it was a more likely chance of happening sooner.

I also developed a rapport with the centre's co-ordinator, on the phone and when I went to view the centre. I made an effort to get to know the carers in the babies area and give them feedback of things they did, that I really liked.

It was only 5 weeks later, that I had a phone call to say that there was a spot available for half a day. At around 8 months, I believe is a good time to start day care. It's the time when they are learning the most and coming out of their shell. They don't get upset you are leaving them and they love the extra stimulation.  If you can, try and just do half a day for 2-3 months at least, so that both of you adjust (as I missed Codi soooo much). I then moved this out to a full day, just inline with the time I wanted to use my Fridays for things like gym/tennis, shopping/filling the car up with petrol, monthly board meetings for a new start up (in Web 2.0) and lunch dates with my husband, even catching up with friends for a quick cup of tea!!

Also having a day kid free, helps as it becomes really difficult to take a Toddler shopping, in fact it is impossible with my little one, bolting for anywhere other than the store and screaming at the sales ladies. I can do short trips but not full days running errands and meeting people. I think it's only fair he should be playing rather than being dragged around with me.

Another benefit for having a day to yourself, is that you encourage your child to be social and interactive. You also are encouraged to be more social and interactive as well. I felt for me that this helped to balance out my week.

I feel I am calmer, relaxed and happier mom and wife. However, in my situation I won't be expanding from one day a week. I've have been able to work out how to stop taking an active role my other business and I've realized for me, boys really need their mothers.

I feel that one day a week is fine, as he does Kindermusik and lots of swimming in Water Babies and with us. Add in play dates and he has such a busy week.

In short
Finding a good Day care is important. You'll want to feel comfortable with the people looking after your child and be reassured that they love kids to bits. I continue to make friends with Codi's carers, especially with new carers and establish rapport and trust. You also need to be prepared for staff moving on. If you get on with your carers they are mostly likely to get along with your child and enjoy them even more.

Codi's carers have been so good with Codi when he has had really tough times with his teething and encourages him to eat with a spoon and try new things. He is now 18 months old and is really enjoying playing with other kids in his daycare.