[loraxc]

I have been at home with my DD since she was born 2.5 years ago. I enjoy being home, but a job has come open at my old place of employment that is basically perfect for me. We really need the money, and I also think DD would enjoy more contact with other adults and other children. However, the idea of going from no daycare at all (she's never even been to a MDO program, and has very rarely stayed with a sitter) to full-time daycare is intimidating to me. It seems like it could be a harder transition for an older toddler than for a young infant. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any words of advice? I have a daycare in mind that comes very highly recommended and is very AP, but I'm still pretty concerned. DD is quite outgoing and doesn't have much separation anxiety at all, but she's never been away from me like this. I also worry about naps--she still takes a long one, and NEEDS it, but the elaborate routine we have for this at home would not be reproducible in a daycare setting.

 

[guestmama9916]

If you take the job, negotiate your start date so that you can have a few weeks to gradually introduce your DD to daycare. Daycare can be noisy, very busy and just plain overwhelming if your DD has never experienced anything like it. My DS was 18 months old when he started daycare for the first time. I only had 2 weeks to introduce him and it wasn't enough time for him but it might be for your DD. He had never been away from both DH and I at the same time or been around that many children all at once. It was very overwhelming for him but he also isn't the outgoing type. Naps will be fine. The only thing that I can think of that might help is to introduce a lovey or special blankie to take to daycare. The caregivers will figure out what works best for them. Your DD will probably nap just fine for the caregivers once she adjusts. Kids learn to expect different things from different people. I think 2.5 yrs of age is alot better than starting at 18 months or 12 months. The seperation anxiety is pretty much over by 2.5 and the independence thing is starting to really kick in so I think you are lucky to have stayed home as long as you have. I think your DD will do great once she gets used to it. You are also lucky to have found an AP daycare. GL!

Kim

 

[Izzy's Mom]

Well, first because I'm in Canada my children didn't start childcare until 13 months each. My oldest adjusted much more easily than my youngest, but within 2 weeks they both were doing pretty well (both started off full-time right away). I do know people who've done the slow adjustment and I think it worked very well, but for me I felt like it was easier just to go full-time right from the start. Daycare is generally fairly regimented in that all the kids follow a fairly set schedule and it would have been difficult to adapt to a child who wasn't there for at least the core part of the day.

My oldest also had a year off of daycare when my youngest was born and then went to a new daycare at 3.5 years. He adapted extremely quickly at that age as he was much more social at 3 than he was at 13 months!

I think your daughter will probably really do well and she should be at an age where the opportunity to play with other kids and do all the fun activities daycares do, will really be a benefit to her. I wish you much luck!!

 

[mamajama]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." —Margaret Mead

 

[loraxc]

Thank you for the replies. We have a tour scheduled of our #1 choice next week. Does anyone have any further thoughts on making the adjustment process easier?

 

[Izzy's Mom]

Tips to make it easier:

Send her favorite blanket and cup with her (maybe a toy but different daycares have different rules about toys I think).

Find out the daycare routine so she can be involved asap - for example if they have a show and share day make sure she has something to show if she's feeling up for it.

Maybe find out the names of other kids in her room so she can start hearing them and becoming familiar. Same (probably more so!) for teachers names.

Someone at my work had a "daycare starting" party for her daughter the day before her first day of daycare. She had a cake and sang songs etc to help her see what a wonderful event it was going to be. She said it was really helpful!

 

[Mrs.CEH3]

she'll be fine. These are all excellent suggestions. And pat yourself on the back! Your going back to paid employment will ensure your family's financial stability, both now and in the future. Good for you.

 

[Loveon]

I found that the scheduling of my dcp helps me out at home two naps, two meals, two snacks....he's so regular he expects the exact nap schedule and meal time on weekends