Hi!
Just looking for some advice being a mommy putting her baby into daycare for the first time come January! I just got an email from the daycare with a great plan for transition that I'm all for, but reading that email made me break down into sobs It's becoming too real that I'll be back to work in less than a month. I know I need to do it financially and well mentally, I truly would like to use my intellectual brain again! But the thought of being away from my little man for full days at a time just absolutely kills me. I do very much trust the daycare we have chosen and know they will take good care of my boy, but for some reason that doesn't help very much at all...
So any advice for me? How do I not cry my eyes out at the very thought of this??? Any stories on how terrible you thought it would be but then it was ok??
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Pam,
I was a diaster when it came time to put DD in daycare and I am a daycare sueprvisor so you'd think I would be able to handle it. You are already way better off them me in that you have already found somewhere you trust and feel good about it. You just need to deal with the mommy guilt! Remember, happy mommy means happy baby. Enjoy going back to work for the adult conversations, using your intellectual brain again, dressing in nice clothes (assuming you get out of the house with out spit up!). Just know crying your eyes out at the thought is completely normal. You have my sympathies, it is really tough!
Whatever you do start him in daycare before you go back. Those first few drop offs will be tough. Make sure you can go home and have a good cry and not have to go straight to work. You would be surprised how many moms (and dads!) drop off with a brave face and we see them sitting in the car crying moments later. Feel free to call and check up. Some daycares will email you pictures or send you a quick note during the day. I try to do that at sleeptime so the parents get a little pick me up for their afternoon.
soon you will see all the crafts coming home and meet his little friends and the mommy guilt let's up (a little) and it gets easier. Your days off will be so special too. Taking a "sick" day to go on a secret daycare field trip is the best ever!!! Big hugs, you'll get through it, even if is seems impossible now.
To all the worried moms:
As a mom of two and a Early Childhood Educator myself I know how hard it is to leave your children with complete strangers. But there is good news it will be hard at first but it will get better as time goes on. As an Early Childhood Educator we will do all that is necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your child. That's why we are here to help you as the parent feel comfortable about your decision and it is a good decision that you made, try not to doubt yourself. Your child will cry during the begining but you have professionals to help you through this difficult time, as time goes on the key word is TIME there will be tears but those tears will turn into smiles and waves at the window or door. It is best to not prolong your goodbye a couple of kisses and hugs and then goodbye. In my center we take the children to the window and wave goodbye and blow kisses eventually you will have the other children waving goodbye and blowing you kisses. And then you will be full of giggles and smiles as you leave. Dont hesistate to ask the staff for assistance. You could also make a Family and me booklet with pictures of your child and the rest of the family these are very useful. I had a Toddler that had one and when they were sad we pulled it out and talked about their family they were proud to share it with their friends. It will get better and don't hesistant to phone and phone. I hope I helped ease your transition.
Yours sincerely.
Theresa
HappyPam,
How are things going?