Hello. I'm a mum with seven children under ten years of age. As you can imagine, all aspects of child care have become the centre of my life. Finding child-friendly products, appropriate play groups and suitable child care facilities are challenges I face on a daily basis. Of course, I'm much more relaxed now after seven children, and I know exactly what products, play groups, and facilities to look for. I figured that other parents might be able to use some of the hacks I've learnt along the way. I hope you find my entries entertaining and informative. Happy parenting!
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Many parents need to return to work while their child is still young, either for financial reasons or because they have built careers they don't want to leave behind. When both parents are going back to work, you'll need to arrange for some form of childcare. This comes in various forms, but daycare is popular because it has so much potential for enriching the child's early life.
Choosing whether or not to send your child to daycare can be one of the most difficult decisions you'll make during their early years, as there are pros and cons to either side that can have a significant outcome. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider your choices.
Does your child have a learning difficulty or other special requirement?
If this applies to your child, it doesn't necessarily rule out daycare. Plenty of staff will have training and experience in looking after all sorts of different children, so you should be able to find a centre with the right people for your child.
For some kids, daycare can actually be really beneficial, as the extra socialisation and the range of skills taught can give their development a boost. It's best to get advice from daycare centres you like the look of and maybe talk to your doctor, too.
Have you found a daycare centre you really like?
If you haven't started looking at specific centres yet, do. If you manage to find one that really appeals to you, it can help make your mind up because you'll see all of the potential benefits for your child.
Are you ready for the change?
There are plenty of cases where the child is ready for daycare but one or both parents are not. It's a big change that can cause lots of worry, even if you know it's unfounded.
If you're struggling to make the decision without relying on your personal feelings, talk to your partner or your friends and family about it. They can help you make a more objective case for either choice.
How does daycare compare to the alternatives?
If you're considering putting off going back to work to stay at home and care for your child, consider the financial impact as well as where it will leave your career. It could be that it's no problem and spending a bit longer off work is best for all of you.
Alternative childcare arrangements include hiring a nanny or babysitter, or asking family members to help out. These come with varying costs that should be taken into account and typically less socialisation opportunity than daycare. You should carefully think about all of these points as you work to reach your decision.
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