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Daycare Woes

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  34310.1
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  Nov-5 10:26 am

 

Hi all,

I am new to this board but since I am a working mom, here I am.  Some background: my daughter is 20 months old and having been working from home since she was born with the exception of 1 day a week when I would go into my office and my in-laws would babysit.  Then it got to be too much for them and my job situation has changed where I need to go into the office 5 days a week starting in January.  So I found a good daycare and am starting my daughter off 3 days a week to get adjusted before starting a 5 day a week program.  Yesterday was her first day.  She took to it right away.  The problem is me.  I went home and bawled my eyes out and since I am still working from home for the time being, I am very lonely without her.  I feel like part of me is missing.  Yes, I can get more done but I worry if she will eat enough.  Yesterday she came home hungry because she didn't eat all that much.  She has always been picky and is more interested in her surroundings than sitting down to eat (which is why I usually chase her around with food in my hand).  The problem I have is a control issue.  I have a problem with anyone watching her that is not me (even my husband) because I feel that no one can take better care of my daughter than me.  Now with daycare starting, I feel even more anxious and my thoughts are all about her (how is is doing, is she eating well, etc). 

How can I overcome this?  How do other moms cope with leaving their young children in daycare all day?  How can I make sure she eats enough while away from me (I pack all her food each day for her time there).  Do other moms have the same worries and what do you do to make sure your little ones are getting the best care possible when someone else is taking care of them.

Sorry for being long winded.  I am just so emotional right now.

Thanks!

last visit to this board
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discussion title:
 

Daycare Woes

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  34310.2 in response to 34310.1
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  Nov-5 6:05 pm

I think it probably takes everyone a few days/weeks to adjust. DD has been in daycare since July now, and I still get a pang of guilt every once in a while, but it's rare. I can see so many benefits of having her in daycare that I'm glad to be a mom who has to work outside the home. Penny is building friendships with kids she'll be in school with until she graduates HS. She loves people and has still not developed any kind of stranger anxiety (knock on wood). And she's improving her immune system...hahaha! It will take a little while to get used to the new situation, but you will. GL!
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last visit to this board
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discussion title:
 

Daycare Woes

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  34310.3 in response to 34310.1
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  Nov-11 11:42 am

Hi...I completely understand. I think that as long as you are confident and happy with the people you are leaving her with, she'll be find. The most important thing you have to realize is that its' going to take time. She will adjust. She will start eating (maybe even better than she does at home--my daughter does). She will start napping there. I know it's hard and frustrating in the beginning, but she'll get used to it. Children thrive on routine.

I was a complete control freak when I first started leaving my little one at daycare. All I ever wanted (and still want) was to be a stay at home mom, which wasn't financially possible. I too cried at night, I cried when I left her. I cried when I got calls at work that she had a fever at daycare. It took me a good 4 months before I finally accepted the fact that I had to leave her in the care of others and that she would be ok.

My advice to you?--Just give it time. She'll be ok, and you might find that at this age she loves it. My daughter is the same age and I can see such positive changes in her from being around other children in a stimulating environment.

Hang in there. It will get better : )

 

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