WWYD?

cynnichinny13

I'm currently a SAHM. Completely, that's what I do. I've been a SAHM for a little over a year. My friend recently enrolled her son in a co-op DC near by. Its completely free other than providing 5 hours a month for part-time enrollment or 10 hours a month for a 5 day schedule.

I'm thinking about enrolling C for a couple days a week just for his socialization. Which I keep telling myself is a great idea. The only issue is that I am getting some serious anxiety about it already I think its separation anxiety. Every once in a while I get the thought, "We don't NEED him to be in day care. I can watch him, it's what I do." But then I go right back to the whole social aspect of it. 

I don't want to put him in, but I do, but I don't, but I do. It's free FFS. I have the time to donate. SAHM what say you? 

littlemac1117

I was a SAHM until a few months ago. DH and I work opposite schedules because daycare is just not in our budget. (My income is supplemental, but nowhere near enough for daycare.) I so wish I could send DS to daycare because I think he would benefit so much from spending the day with other kids. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a co-op daycare! (::off to google co-op daycare::)

I say go for it, if it doesn't feel right, you can always take him out. It could be really great for him, and it could be nice for you too! I would say go for it and keep an open mind, but know that if you decide that sending him isn't right for you guys, that is totally cool too. Good luck!

[Deleted User]

I'm only a SAHM during school breaks (I'm a full-time student) but I would take advantage.  I think my DD would benefit from the socialization for sure.  My mom cares for her during the overlap when I'm at school and H is at work, and I can't afford to turn down free childcare, even though I would prefer for her to get some time with other kids.

Exposure to more illness is another factor to consider, but it might not be as much of an issue if a parent doesn't have to miss work because of it.

kcisthebombdotcom

Honestly, I wouldn't at 2 unless there were some concerns about his development and interacting with his peers could help with that. I'd wait until 3-4. At 2, you can take him to activities to socialize.

bumpuser260585

I say do it. Think of it as helping another mom out too. You may not *need* the daycare, but another mom might and your hours to volunteer would be helping her out.
I think the socialization for your LO would be good too. And since another pp mentioned germs, i'd rather expose my kid to germs now than when he is in school.

EastCoastBride

It was right at 2 that DS started going to a DC (vs a nanny).  It was a great age and I think he really liked getting around other kids and having playmates. 

Wufroggy79

Totally do it.  My DD has the time of her life at her school.

catycate

I would do it in a heartbeat and am actually in the process of organizing a "tot school" co-op with a few of my SAH friends. As a former early childhood educator, I think socialization is so so important, as is being cared by someone who isn't mama. I feel like a co-op is a unique opportunity to be involved in your kids early learning and the best of both worlds!

Venus04d

I would totally go for it!

CoffeeBeen

I'm with PPs, you should do it.  There are benefits for your LO - not to mention you'll probably benefit from the alone time and volunteering time. 

It sounds like the only draw back is that you'll feel some separation anxiety, which is perfectly normal.  A few hours a week is a nice way to ease into the idea of being away from LO for longer stretches of time.  If you really hate it, you can always quit, right?

LoCarb

I would do it. I believe your LO will benefit from the community the co-op will provide. It will also give you a much needed break-you may not realize you need. The adjustment may be difficult for both of you but short-lived.

ASmallWonder

Definitely try it.  You have nothing to lose because if you don't like it, it's as easy as just not going anymore.  I don't think there is a kid out there who wouldn't get some benefit from playing with other kids in a different environment if it's available to them

cynnichinny13

Thanks for your input guys! This makes me feel a lot better about enrolling C. He can't start until he turns 2 any ways, so we have until Sept 13th to really commit. I guess there's really nothing to lose.