I would like to suggest looking into family day care. It is a better environment for the child as it is smaller groups or children and the familiarity of one carer in a much more homly environment. also there isn't usually a waiting list for this. i looked into one day a week child care in a centre for my son and was told the waiting list was very long so looked into family day car and he was in a carers home in 3 weeks. it was also very cheap (I pay $3.50 an hour)

hi there,

i understand what your going through. when i had my first little one he was at home with me for the first year as i was scared to leave him even with family but then i really felt i needed some alone my time and decided to go 1 day a week day care to. i remember looking around at about 6-8 different centres and looked into family centres as well when i found one i liked i had to wait about 3-4 weeks but was allowed to pop in once a week for those few weeks to get comfortable with the centre and it's carers. i was also allowed to call regularly through out the day once he had started to which was comforting. as i had been at the centre for over a year by the time my second one came around i poped him into the same centre earlier as i loved it and new the girls/ladies would help with tension and transistions. all you have to do is find the one centre you like and then ask how they will help be honest about how your feeling and if it's really a good centre the carers will help you as much as possible. they are there for you and bubs. good luck searching hope it goes well

I know how you feel......My daughter starts Daycare July 9th and I have had so many sleepless nights over the decision. If you feel the daycare is unsuitable then dont enroll him, You always hear the horror stories.. But once you do find one and get a much needed break, make sure they have an open door policy....So you could stop in to check on him between tasks.. If you need a break now, I would join some mommy and me class or parenting group where you can interact with other moms, sometimes knowing your not alone,,,gives you relief to go forward.......

My anixety is guilt that she may enjoy daycare more then my care.

I just applied for a position at a childcare centre that is opening up in july so i also applied for a job there and hope that I get the job and damian gets a position there

hey,its hard isnt it,being torn in 2 different directions...have u thought about family daycare?? I was a family day care mum for 9 yrs and it is a great option.Its a smaller enviroment,less children and in a family home....day care centres are great at what they do for sure but family day care is just another option for u.They offer respite care which is suited to parents in your postition....Ring and find out a few things at ur local family day care office,see what u can find out,go meet a few carers and see how u go....u will be ok....let me know how u go....cheers naomi

Most good child care centres will help you with the transition.

You need to find a centre you're happy with and comfortable with and if that means waiting 6 weeks then I would wait. Once you've decided on the centre you want, ask them about going in for a visit once or twice a week to help you both become more comfortable and to get to know the carers better. I'm a Pre-school teacher and our centre advises all parents to do this, especially those who are more hesitant and uneasy.

We all need a break form our kid's every now and again..........it actually helps us to become better parents because we have a chance to re-charge and relax and do something for ourselves.

Amanda xxxx