Is this too many DCPs?
2-Step
member
I recently quit my job and am doing freelance two days per week. I had to move the boys to a new DCP that allows part time care. In the interim they stayed with a good friend of mine while I found the new DCP. I still use her once in awhile for one extra day of work if I need it. So they go to a new place Tues/Thurs and once or twice a month on Wed they go to my friend's house.
I'm really trying to lose the last 10 pounds of this baby weight and there is a great gym right down the street with a child care center. I have taken them a few times on my days off, but I'm worried this might be too much change and caregiver variety for them, in particular for my younger DS.
My first DS was in the same in-home daycare every day until he was 3, and so far my younger one has been in three in his first year. He always cries when I drop him off, but everyone says he is fine after I leave.
So, do you think it is too much to take them for an hour twice a week to the daycare at the gym too? I have this fear that I am going to psychologically harm him by leaving him with different caretakers on different days. I'm with them most M/W/F/S/Su except for maybe one date night per month with DH when my mom watches them (they know and love her very well I'm not worried about that one).
Re: Is this too many DCPs?
I agree with PP. I think it's better that they get used to different caretakers to avoid separation anxiety. I also think it will help with their social skills, meeting different adults and kids is a good thing.
I know it happens to a lot of kids but it really drives me crazy when there is a child that will not let go of his mom and constantly says her name and cries when she walks away for 2 seconds to grab water. Granted if they are in a place full of strangers I understand. I'm sure I sound very judgy, which of course means it'll probably happen to me!
LOL. If I told you DS's schedule..... well, I will. For the weeks DH works:
Preschool M/W/F mornings. Monday afternoon and Tuesday are w/ DCP. Wed afternoon and Thursday are grandparents. Friday is DCP.
Then the weeks DH is off, he takes care of DS most of the time that DS would be w/ the DCP.
Another thought - I take DS to the local gym for swim classes. We walk by their daycare every time. It has a jungle gym, TV, toys, etc. He SOOOOO wants to go in there. It's totally a big playarea!
We've always had a weird schedule. There was a time where I had 2 different PT nannies! DS has adapted to it wonderfully and I honestly think it played a role in why he was never sad about going to preschool when he started this year!
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
LOL. I was judgy about this too... and then I had one. I swear I didn't do anything differently.
OP -- doesn't sound like too many caregivers to me at all. I think it's good for kids to get exposed to different people with different strengths/quirks.