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Monday, March 23, 2009

daycare FAIL

Dear Daycare Teacher,
If a parent is repeatedly telling another child to not throw toys, you are not doing your job.


Just one of the many reasons I'm excited to start a new venture in Punkin's care.
I work part-time outside of the home, and since Punkin's been about 4 months old, he's been at a daycare fairly close to home. He's had some good experiences - he's learned a lot. But more recently, the Hubs and I have been concerned about some things that were happening (or not happening) at the daycare.

I could make a list, but instead, for now, I'll just focus on what we've decided to do. Today marked Punkin's first day of "in-home care". Another family in our neighborhood (who also used to attend the same daycare and had very similar concerns) approached us about sharing a "nanny"*. Two days a week, Punkin will be with the other two boys and one day a week he'll be by himself with the caregiver. She just happens to be one of his former teachers from the daycare - who has always done a great job - and who we've also used as a sitter on occasion.

Since we live in the same neighborhood, time will be split between both houses - that should help with any one child feeling like they always have to share "my" toys. Today, they started at the other house and walked down to our house after lunch. Hopefully that will help get them some fresh air and exercise and encourage good naps.

Even though I wasn't completely happy with the daycare situation, I was still nervous about whether or not the Hubs and I were making the best decision for Punkin. I have to say that the first day couldn't have gone much better. Punkin ate a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for lunch. Seriously. You have no idea how big that is.**

I feel 100 times better about the decision we've made. Who knew Grilled Cheese could cause such euphoria?


**Punkin has texture issues and food aversions. He's often times literally scared to try new foods. He's not a fan of much that isn't crunchy or breaded (ie. crackers, chicken nuggets). We're working on it. And now so is the "nanny".*

*I need another word for the "nanny". I'm not sure what the right term is, but I don't think "nanny" fits completely. I always think of a nanny as someone who lives in or someone who is in the home the majority of the time... Any suggestions?


This post is included in Your Life, Your Blog at Real Life. Go check it out!

6 comments:

Barely Domestic Mama said...

Sounds like you may have found a great alternative to a daycare center. I hope it continues to work for you.

Real Life Sarah said...

That sounds like a great plan! I am so glad you found someone you trust! You could just call her the "caregiver" or "babysitter" or "teacher"

ems said...

My brother and I went to daycare originally, with absolutely disastrous results. We ended up at "Miss Kim's" house. I don't know that we called her a babysitter, or a caregiver, or a teacher or a nanny, even though she probably was all of those things. She was "Miss Kim." :-)

AP Mommy said...

Oh I hope it works out for you!

Stopping over from Two of a Kind's blog to let you know of a giveaway over at my blog The A-Priori Mommy! Stop by!

Adriana said...

I am sorry to hear the daycare didn't work out. I myself want to put my daughter into daycare but am a bit intimidated about it. It sounds like you have someone you know and trust taking care of him and the fact he trusted her enough to eat a grilled cheese sandwich is BIG. Seriously, it is big. It's difficult to get kids to try new things. I wish you luck with all of it.

You wanted to know if we have any suggestions as to what to call the nanny. My friend calls her a "day sitter," because she takes care of her during the days. I don't know if that might work for ya ; )

Great luck and I hope it all works out! Oh and thank you so much for leaving a comment on my blog post about forgiveness. : ) Have a great one!

punkinmama said...

Adriana - Don't be too intimidated about putting your daughter in daycare. I think it can be great for both kids and parents. I wouldn't hesitate putting my son back in daycare if our current "day sitter" situation doesn't work out. I would just go into it a lot more prepared. I would advise you to interview several center directors and ask lots of questions. Don't be afraid to ask about turnover rates and about the structure that your child would have there. Also, once your child is in care, don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions of the teachers and the director. Stay involved and don't be afraid to speak up if you're not happy with something. Don't be afraid of them "not liking you". Just be your child's advocate. I think you'll be amazed at how social your child can become and how much she will learn!

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