Taking Advantage?

SoSweetTea1124 · September 2013

So today I toured 5 different daycare centers and only saw one that I would consider putting my LO in. The place was great, super clean, great teachers, yearly certification updates etc... I still can't help feeling like I'm not sure I want to even put my child in daycare. My bosses have asked if I would consider bringing my LO in to work with me and just using one of the extra offices as a makeshift nursery. I was totally surprised when they told me, but I can't help feeling like I would be taking advantage of the situation. Also, I am super big on professionalism and bringing my child into work is totally crossing the line. I would love to have my LO with me all day, but working from home is not an option. I am also worried if I don't set my child up at a daycare and do start bringing him to work that one day my bosses will realize how hectic having a LO can be and I will be forced to put him in daycare (any daycare) just to fix the problem. Any advice? Should I try bringing him into work with me for a little while and see how it goes? Or just bite the bullet, put him in daycare and be done with it?

DebateThis · September 2013

I think I'm leaning where you are on this one - I don't think bringing LO to the office is professional - nor do I think I (personally) could get a darn bit of work done if I brought my baby to work with me each day.

I would offer a compromise with your boss though - something like "thanks, but can we reserve that for special occasions or when I can't get a sitter/daycare is closed?". Leave the door open w/ your boss, but definitely plan on putting LO in a full time off-site DCP.

babymama619 · September 2013

I can't imagine putting LO in daycare, but even less can I imagine getting anything done with LO at work or having other people not be resentful of my LO at work. I agree with DT that I wouldn't totally close the door on it and ask for some flexibility, maybe an extra afternoon off or something too. But to me it would not be ideal for LO to be there.

sands42 · September 2013

It would make it much harder to get any work done but I guess it also depends on what your job is! I'd take that over putting my new baby in daycare if I could.... but I don't know what the demands of your job are.

AnsbyGamber · September 2013

I'm kind of confused about how your bosses envision this working. They want you to use an office as a nursery, so I assume that would mean that you work in one office, the other is where LO would sleep, etc. How long is this going to be a realistic solution? A 6 week old might sleep enough where you could get work done while they nap, but pretty soon your child will be awake for long periods, need stimulation, start getting mobile, etc. This solution might buy you a few extra weeks, but I think you would eventually have to go to daycare and I think I would prefer to just start that from the beginning. But I agree, leave it open with your bosses so that it's an option when daycare is closed or there's a situation with extenuating circumstances.

dobrydney · September 2013

I work with two other agents in my office and our boss goes to Florida for 7 months of the year. The other girls have said it would be fine if I brought LO into the office, and I highly doubt the boss would care. But, I still plan on getting daycare and only bringing LO if I absolutely have to for the first few weeks I'm back. I just don't think I'll be productive enough to justify my full pay and what if the baby is screaming and I need to take a phone call? Just not a good combo for me!

[Deleted User] · September 2013

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sarenu1 · September 2013

Nope, nope, nope.

I have the flexibility to work from home if my little one can't go to daycare. And I usually can only get 4 to 6 good hours in with a 20 month old who can play by themselves.

Not to mention taking phone calls is always a gamble.

I would not even get close to 2 hours with a 3 to 12 month old. They require constant attention. Either you're entertaining them or making sure they aren't hurting themselves.

Elreid · September 2013

I used to nanny for a family and I was paid the same amount that it would have cost for the daycare. Can you see if there are any college kids, or people who are not working and are available during your work hours? There are people out there! I was one of them

now I have a wonderful relationship with the family, they are considered my own blood and we are both actually pregnant right now so we have become super close. We take vacations together, go on family outings together and my SO and her DH are good friends now! It's an amazing experience and I love being their go to babysitter

they now trust me before their own parents to watch their daughter

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