Part time daycare

kiki1978

I won't be returning to work until the beginning of May. DS is signed up for a really great daycare starting at the end of April. DH recommended calling to see if we can start him part time now. He will be working 60-80 hours a week for the next couple of months so I will pretty much be on my own.

Pros: DS getting used to daycare. Me getting my crying/stress of him being in daycare over early. More time to get things done. And to be honest, a bit of a break.

Cons: DS has tummy issues and I don't know if it would be right to take him to daycare. He'll probably start getting sick. I would be "that" mom who takes her kids to daycare when she's not working. We have the money, but it could be used for something else since we don't really NEED to do this.

Advice/opinions are really appreciated!

MrsW062610

Well if this were me I wouldn't. I don't have the money and I would probably feel too guilty dropping LO off.
But that's just me. Maybe just do it a week or 2 before you go back to work? Then you can relax a little, get some things done, and get your crying and stress out before you go back to work.

Whatever you decide - good luck!

cja06

With you having a premie and it still being flu season, I would personally wait until at least April before considering bring him to daycare. I think it would help the transition to have him start part time before you go back to work FT, but I would wait until he is a little older given his adjusted age.

Jackapatamus

For me personally, I wouldn't send lo to daycare until I had to. I know when my ds went to daycare at 8 weeks, the only thing that distracted me from not crying was working. But I understand the need for help, my husband is working a lot of extra hours these days, and travels with his job, and I'm a sahm (now) with ds and dd. Do you have any family, that could come over and give you a break?

kiki1978

Thanks everyone. I didn't even think of the preemie thing. I think I might just wait until April. @esd I should have explained where I was coming from. I teach first grade in a fairly affluent area. There are mothers who put their older kids (who have plenty of socializing opportunities) in daycare when they ate SAHM. They put them in full time. I have always thought that it was crap to do that instead of spending time with their kids after school. For younger kids, I agree it's good for socializing and to get them used to "school."

km_md

Because my mom owns a daycare, I am a big proponent of daycare. In this situation, I would probably wait a bit longer (since it is flu season and you have a preemie) but starting the transition early could really help you to adjust before you have to go back to work full time. And there is nothing wrong with being "that" mom who sends their kid to daycare when they aren't working. The kids absolutely love daycare in my experience and it is good for them to get out and socialize with other children. If it is only part time and shorter hours, the benefits definitely outweigh the cons. 

Now with all of that being said, I know how hard it is to leave LO, especially if you don't have to. I am so fortunate to be able to leave DD with my mom so I know who will be caring for her all day. This decision would be harder for me if I had to send her to a stranger. 

CarolinaGirl2014

Could you hire a Mommy's helper instead? They are sometimes cheaper than a nanny and you could look at how much help you need and hire one for just those hours. Also, they can take care of LO, cook, tidy the house, do laundry, etc that your H would normally do. Just be upfront about the tie period you'll be needing them, unless you think you'll need help when working full time with your H working those hours.

worleygirl

I'd wait for the reasons others said. However, nothing wrong with you getting a break. Have you looked into sitters yet? Maybe you could find someone to come over 2 days a week for a couple of hours.

susieandmarty

Id wait now. I would say to see if this is possible one week or so before returning to work. It achieves the goal if getting used to leaving, getting school used to little one and getting you some time. Until then, I agree a sitter is better and cheaper

kiki1978

Thanks everyone for your advice and input.  What I'm leaning towards is having him start part time in April. That way he'll be a little older and I'll have plenty of time to get used to him going. I also will be able to go to school and plan and get ready for when I go back when he's in daycare. I will look into family/friends helping while DH is working a ton.

litzo27

Kiki - I like your plan (just have him start shortly before you do). Save the money you would spend now to go towards "emergency caregiver" fund. Babies do get sick when they start daycare and I imagine as a teacher it's difficult to take days off so you might want to have either family or babysitters lined up to help with LO's sick days (but you'll still be also paying for daycare on those days).