Past Questions

My daughter who has just turned one and has experienced a number of transitions this year. I'm considering another one but am worried that it may do her more harm than good? I would love your opinion. She graduated at her church day care program into a new room when she turned one and I am concerned about this new program. I would like to move her to a family day care but she's had so many changes already this year I worry about another one. The new room is 1.5 staff for 10 kids. Everything is on a schedule. She cannot use a bottle and must eat at set mealtimes. Also, she is down to one nap per day during a set nap time and I just don't think this is working out for her. She's a zombie at night. Also, they feed the kids wonderbread and lots of things containing ground beef. So, its certainly not abusive but it feels really cold and institutional to me. There is a family daycare near by that has level 2 accreditation and 12 kids with at least adulst staff, 3 kids her age. Seems much warmer and more flexible and will have openings in Sept. We spent last summer at her Dad's lake cottage while I was on maternity leave then we moved home in Sept. Parenting turned out to be too much for her dad and after 4 violent incidents (at least 2 of which she witnessed) I made him move out in Jan.09. Since then, we've settled into a decent, calm and successful visitation plan. I have her 75 % and he has her 25% of the time. I have most of the real parenting time (at night, at the beginning and end of her day,etc). She's at daycare from about 10 -5 daily. She's meeting all her milestones and seems just fine. Her pediatrician thinks she's doing great. I have to work as I'm the sole income. Here's the Chronology: Born last June. June to Sept - with me at the camp- maternity leave Sept - Move home from the camp Sept - Oct- (approx) Attends a fancy, expensive day care that looked good on paper but wasn't so great. Staff did not get on the floor and play with the kids. Was dirty,etc. Sept through Jan - Household drama referenced above Jan- Dad moves out, visitation schedule begins Oct to June- Moved her to the baby room at Baptist church. 2 staff, 6 babies. Seemed just fine. Not great but fine. June to Sept - Aden graduated to the young toddler room at the Baptist Church(all new staff, very structured, cold and institutional program) Sept- Contemplating move to family day care setting, hopefully to stay until she starts at Montessori at age 3. Is this too much change? What will this do to her bonding and sense of security? I should have prevented the move to the Young Toddler room so we could avoided another transition, but I thought it would be warmer, not colder than the baby room. I welcome any thoughts you have. Thanks!