i just want to thanks to everyone for their advice.... i enrolled summer in child care and she now starts this friday coming provided her sniffles go away. im a little nervous but as every one has said the staff are really accepting of me being alittle on edge and will accomadate. i know the staff have be "trained" to deal with the separation issue so im relaxed about that, only problem now is what do to with myself....   :)

thanks again

Good-quality childcare (fully qualified workers) is brilliant! Most centres are very happy to have you hang about for a couple of hours (even the whole time!) on the first day. Its great for little kids to be around their own age-group & its good for mums to have a day of rest. Good plan.

hugs

Rosalinda

G'day - I'm a single stay-at-home dad of 2 gorgeous little monsters, 6 and 7. Fortunately both at school now, so I get a couple of hours per day to myself/do housework etc... Child care is a perfect intro to social skills, a good centre has huge resources you simply don't have yourself at home, plus they can make mega-messes (painting, play-doh "sculpture") and YOU don't have to clean up afterwards!!!

Children are far more socially adept plus get a bit of a start on schooling, which eases the pain down the track... and just as importantly, you get a break and get to stay relatively human!

As far as separation - I use to hang around at the centre for half to one hour until they were settled and playing with their mates, especially initially. After a short while at this, you'll find they won't even realise if you're there or not once they get in the door.

Good luck! - Eric.

It's not bad for you to want to put your daughter into care, and like you said it's only one day a week. Your bub is only 8 months old so it's actually a good to time to start. Find a centre and people you are comfortable with. On the first couple of visits you will feel a bit anxious but the staff at the centre will reassure you, and at about your 3rd visit it should pass. It's very common that baby's and toddlers will kick up a fuss for the first few visits, but cause your baby is 8 month's you will probably find it alot easier. There is nothing wrong with you wanting a day to yourself, so don't feel bad about it

My boy can not wait to go to Daycare and He has only been going for 3 weeks, He loves it there and if u put ure daughter in a centre usually u can go and check on her during the day, but try to keep busy. If you can't keep busy try asking the carers if it is ok that you start off withe her in 1/2 a day just to ease your mind. On the day that he goes he usually gets up at 6 am because he is so eager to get to Daycare.

If your Daughter is anything like my son then there wont even be tears on the 1st day, because they just want to go and play with the other kids. Not only will she learn acceptable social skills but they may be able to give you advice on how to stop some of the bad habits that she may have picked up along the way, and if you are normal you probably would be going insane spending most of youre time with your daughter, so do it not just for you but for your daughter as well. Even kids need a break from us parents as much as we need one from them.

Hope this helps

Cheers Queenie xoxoxoxxoxo

Both my daughters have gone to childminders from the age of about 1 and it has been a sanity saver for me! DD1 went to one friend for 2 x 4 hours, and benefitted from playing with the youngest child (as she was an only child at this stage), learned all about the Naughty Step from watching and later participating, got to do art, played with a wide variety of toys, and got to do the school run. She screamed the first 4 hours and 10 minutes of the second one. After that she usually only cried from when I said goodbye until I was gone, and then 5 minutes before I got back! She also stopped being so clingy with me the rest of the time. She went until she was at Preschool 3 mornings a week. DD2 goes to a different friend where she gets to do loads of art, imaginative play, scream at the cat (who runs away!) and tries different food. She loves being there but still cries for my benefit as I go and return. In summary - it is a great thing for the child to mix socially, get to try new things and to get used to other adults; and for you to be able to do those things you cant easily do with a child around. First day - stay busy, choose something really pampering or something you've really missed being able to do - save the ironing or the cleaning for the second week! You'll be surprised how the time flies!

 It sure isn't a bad thing! It's good for you to have a day where you can be you!

I struggled with the guilts for the first month (my daughter goes to nursery 2 days a week), but then I saw how much she was enjoying it and how much she was also benefiting - the interaction with other children (they learn so much from older kids) , and also the great messy play that they would do at nursery that I just can't do at home. Shaving foam anyone?

Leaving a crying child at nursery/day care is difficult, but sometimes  leaving a child who is so eager to get in and play with her friends is difficult too!!! :)

i swear by it. it gives you a break and remember you are you.make sure you have something planned for the day. something you love doing which you can't or wont do with bub around.it's the perfect age for bub.day carers have techniques to deal with the sepration and at that age the crying only lasts for a few minutes if at all.it will make it easier when they go to kindy/school too you see those poor mum with their kids attached to their leg screaming.it's heartbreaking for both.but be sure you trust and get to know your carer or friends that go to the same one or just have a good rep.i prefer home care as the carer has only 4 kids as supposed to the big centres i feel my child is neglected to a degree.try half day and see how things go. 

Absolutely No is that a bad thing and every parent regardless who they are or what they may do is entitled to child care.

I have linked a article under your question that will answer all you need to know..

xx cazza..

no it isnt a bad thing to do. My daughter was 1 when she started to go.

I found the center i more equipt with the child and the seperation of parent and child. they are normally really good.

My daughter cryed for about 2 months but after awhile se settled in. its all routine and once they get used to it it is good.

Good luck