Moms with 2+ kids, please come in...
Hi there, I haven't posted here before but thought this would be the right place.
I'm pregnant (due in Aug) and I have a toddler that will be a little over 2.5 when LO is born. He currently goes to a preschool transition class, which means he's in class without me but I'm on campus during the class. Class ends in June. After that its regular preschool drop off/pick up which means I won't be on campus. I'm trying to figure out if I want to put him in summer camp, then straight to school come September (to keep the routine of school), or keep him out of summer school in order to spend as much quality time as possible and then put him in preschool around October so that he's had time to adjust.
For those of you that have 2+ kids, did you have your toddler in school before LO was born or after? What was the school transition like?
Re: Moms with 2+ kids, please come in...
Personally I think routine is Key for this age. I would bring him to the summer camp, especially since the baby is due in August. Not only will it help you because in the first few weeks its pretty exhausting with a toddler and an newborn but he won't feel as though he is being shipped off when the baby comes. I know that sounds terrible, but I was told No big transitions unless completely necessary for a few months before and after the baby. I know that is not what you are doing, but from everything I read etc. that is what I was told
Because Even in October, the baby will be taking over some territory of his, in his mind, because the baby will be more aware and starting to do more.
Just my two cents though. My kids thrive in the daycare/preschool environment and they really love their teachers. Thats just what I would do.
We had our second one in October when our first LO was 20 months old. I was so thankful that he was in daycare and we continued to use it during my 6 week maternity leave. When I was pregnant--especially during the hot summer--I did not have the energy to really get out there an play with him and I was happy that he was spending the day doing activities and running around with other children. When I had the baby, once again I was thankful that there were eight hours during the day that he was not stuck inside with me in the living room while I was taking care of a newborn. I also think he thrives in daycare/school and I felt lucky we had the option of keeping him in it.
But I should mention I have some SAHM friends who are fantastic and could be nine months pregnant or have a newborn and could still keep a toddler entertained with crafts and playdates. I would just really consider your child's routine, what he's used to, and what you really think you will have the energy and time to do with him/her.
I agree. DS stayed in daycare my whole maternity leave
maybe I'm selfish, but I want as much time as possible with my kids and I don't really care about their daycare routine. DD was 2 in March, I took her from the sitter at the end of April, had DS in May, and kept them both with me until November. It was the best 6 months and I feel so fortunate to have that taste of being a SAHM.
I was switching DD from a sitter to daycare, but I would have done it that way anyway. I had a friend in the same situation, she was going to keep her DD in daycare 1 day a week, but after a few weeks she decided she'd rather use the money to do something fun with the kids.