My son is 2 and a half and I have had to put him in full time day care Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 due to needing to go back to work. Every time I think about it, I cry and I don’t know how to get past these feelings. He starts on Tuesday and I don’t know how I will even cope at work worrying that he thinks I’ve left him and not coming back. I have researched everything about the centre and I know it is great and will be great for him. I know deep inside that he will be fine but it makes me so sad. I don’t know anyone else who has their children in care for this amount of time so I just feel really guilty. Part time is not an option unfortunately but I can’t get past these feelings.
3 Replies
When your kid starts daycare you will meet plenty of kids who are in daycare longer than your child.
You will feel this angst about a lot of milestone steps with your child. You’ll be just as anxious about the first day of primary school.
It’s all quite normal to worry and it does get easier.
If it makes you feel better mine just started high school, getting the bus home, I’m full time. I was worried too, but you get through these things. See I have experienced leaving child in childcare, starting kindy, starting school so I have those tools to help me through. This is the beginning of many firsts and I understand your guilt, it’s hard, but you’ll get through. When they go to school, the guilt really eases because that’s compulsory and everyone does it. You just have to get through the next three years.
He will adjust amazingly and form fantastic relationships amongst his peers. You’ll meet families who are in similar situations as you.
I know this as I’m a early childhood teacher. There is a number of children who are at centre from day opening to closure of the day.
Do what is best for you and your family. Don’t worry about what others think, it’s honestly not their business.