January 2016 Moms
stephanienjer
member
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A big decision
stephanienjer
member
Since my daughter started daycare, I have struggled financially. I'm a single mom, and even before I separated from my husband, was footing the bills for everything anyway. Half of my net income goes to daycare and after that and rent, I have around $200 for all other bills, gas, and groceries. I don't qualify for any public assistance. I am literally living in the cheapest apartment I could find that was safe, and it is prorated for my income.
We love the daycare Birdie attends--she goes in enthusiastically each morning, and comes out happy and exhausted each night. Her vocabulary is off the charts, and she sings tons of songs that I haven't taught her. They've been very understanding when I've had to pay tuition late, but I'm getting to the end of my rope financially--borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.
I received an offer today from one of the moms in my baby wearing group to watch Birdie full time for free. This mom has 7 kids--ranging from 15ish to an infant. She homeschools, and has offered to cover lunch as well, and do preschool homeschool activities with Birdie alongside her son. She is reliable, and while I don't know her well, a very good friend of mine is connected to her through the homeschool circuit, and she said that this person "Is one of the few that I will leave my kids with, and the only one I'll allow in a car with." She also said that the person is more intuitive with children than either of us are, which is high praise. All of her kids love little ones, and she would be treated like a sibling.
I know it's the right move, but my heart is breaking about taking Birdie out of her current daycare. So much turmoil has been happening with my husband's mental illness that I hate to change one more thing, but an extra $700-1000 a month would be huge. Please reassure me that she'll adjust, and that we can stay in contact with our daycare families. I've cried about 20 times this morning over the move, but I know it's going to have to happen now or later--they only serve kids through age 2 at this facility.
We love the daycare Birdie attends--she goes in enthusiastically each morning, and comes out happy and exhausted each night. Her vocabulary is off the charts, and she sings tons of songs that I haven't taught her. They've been very understanding when I've had to pay tuition late, but I'm getting to the end of my rope financially--borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.
I received an offer today from one of the moms in my baby wearing group to watch Birdie full time for free. This mom has 7 kids--ranging from 15ish to an infant. She homeschools, and has offered to cover lunch as well, and do preschool homeschool activities with Birdie alongside her son. She is reliable, and while I don't know her well, a very good friend of mine is connected to her through the homeschool circuit, and she said that this person "Is one of the few that I will leave my kids with, and the only one I'll allow in a car with." She also said that the person is more intuitive with children than either of us are, which is high praise. All of her kids love little ones, and she would be treated like a sibling.
I know it's the right move, but my heart is breaking about taking Birdie out of her current daycare. So much turmoil has been happening with my husband's mental illness that I hate to change one more thing, but an extra $700-1000 a month would be huge. Please reassure me that she'll adjust, and that we can stay in contact with our daycare families. I've cried about 20 times this morning over the move, but I know it's going to have to happen now or later--they only serve kids through age 2 at this facility.
Re: A big decision
Good luck