Unemployed for 1 month - wwyd re: daycare?

Libramom2b · November 2008

Our company is in bad shape and will be shutting down for Dec. We all have to collect unemployment for that month. We are then reopening Jan 5. DS's daycare won't let me take a month off and still hold his spot (2 yr waiting list). But I'll feel guilty sending him while I'm not working. I also don't want to screw w/ his routine by keeping him home for a month, and at the same time feel like if I'm paying them, he should go. Ugh what would you do for that month?

lisaNov3 · November 2008

maybe during that month just send him 2-3x a week and for only half a day.. this way he's still getting his routine somewhat and not forgetting about daycare and you can go do whatever you have to do during the day. that's what i would do anyway.

OhioUBride · November 2008

if you can swing the payments for that month, I'd start a new routine that includes time at daycare and time home w/ you. Maybe keep him home on M, W, F and take him to daycare on Tuesday and Thursday. Those could be good days to run errands, grocery shop, xmas shop, etc.

I wouldn't want to screw up the schedule and the relationship w/ the teachers too... I'd try to mix it up so he still knows his school routine.

bridetobe0jb · November 2008

It's obvious that you want to keep paying to keep the spot, but I would take advantage of the time at home with him. Maybe I'd send him a couple hours a day (and get some stuff done around the house, etc.) or a couple of times a week to keep him used to the people at least. Will they let you come and play there - that way you get the time with him while keeping him used to the teachers.

madhatter2003 · November 2008

I'd still send him at least part of the time. My DD will continue to go 3 day a week while I'm on maternity leave to keep her schedule the same.

Use the time to clean or have some relaxing time for just you, as I'm sure that is stressful enough to deal with!!

mrsnewlywed2005 · November 2008

can u send her part time?

tosababy · November 2008

I'd keep him in daycare, pay for full time (if required), take him about 3 days a week and get a ton done at home (e.g., cleaning out our basement, organizing closets, etc.).

livinitup · November 2008

You are not going to pick-up seasonal employment elsewhere? Even part-time? Maybe an option. Maybe that would screw with your unemployment behefits anyway.

Anyway, I'd drop-off as usual and let him have his routine in the AM with food and activity and naps. And I'd plan an early pick-up in the afternoon. Once you are both up and out of the house .. you'll have oodles of time to run around where he'd be better off at care. Even if you are in your house, you'll get more done with a set of free hands instead of walking through his routine. Then you'll have the bonus of early time with him. Its such a win-win.

katie277s · November 2008

I agree with pp. You should take him part time (enough to keep your spot) and keep him home part time.

jlw2505 · November 2008

I would keep the kids in daycare. You can then send them shorter days or a few days a week and take some you time. Don't feel; guilty about sending them, you need time for you and honestly, the kids love it. I know my girls get so excited to get to school and see their friends and they learn. I have taken days off and still sent the kids to school so I can work on things for me.

sara1104 · November 2008

i will have 2 weeks off over christmas and we plan on sending DD part-time so that she doesn't lose the routine. so I vote like the others ... send DC part-time and get lots of stuff done at home while you can!

marrymemylove · November 2008

Despite the fact I desperately wanted daycare and I didn't like SAH at all, when I was home over the summer I felt guilty too. For us it didn't make any sense to lose the place when we'd need it badly in August to let us pack and move house (can't imagine doing that with a 2 year old under foot, did it in a week with him in daycare).

?What I did was keep the place, used it every day but made sure he was not rushed anywhere (since I didn't actually have work to go to). I dropped him off just before circle time around 9:30 and picked him up about 4:30 so we could go to the park for a clear hour before coming home to make dinner when DH finished work. It worked well. He enjoyed it a lot more than staying home I think. It was nice not to have to rush out the door every morning though.

?

spinach · November 2008

I would probably do 9 - 3 or 4 M, Tu, Wed, Thurs and keep him home Friday so it's a 3 day weekend. Enjoy your month off

I'm taking the 3 days before Thanksgiving off (company asked us to take it off) and I feel guilty just those 3 days.

MrsSledge · November 2008

If you can afford it, I would still send him to daycare. You can take him in late, pick him up early and get all sorts of things done in between. Plus if you decided to pick up a part-time/seasonal job, you would be able to.

Libramom2b · November 2008

Thanks guys. I probably will try to work out a part time schedule. I won't know what to do with myself without DS or working!!!

Want a personalized experience?

Unemployed for 1 month - wwyd re: daycare?

Re: Unemployed for 1 month - wwyd re: daycare?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards