Your Daycare Experience

The transition to daycare is never an easy one. While many good-intentioned moms might want to be a stay-at-home-mom, for some, that’s unfortunately not an option. For many parents, especially those who don’t live near family, it’s in most cases the only option for child care. Luckily, with FMLA, many moms get to stay home the first three months with their darling little babies. But, the time comes to return to work, and make the important decision. By following a few steps, the transition should be a little easier.

1. When to start? For beginners, the earlier you know that you plan on going back to work, the easier it is to start your search for a daycare provider in your area. By law, you're allowed to take 12 weeks off of work. Although, it's not all paid. The average American takes five to six weeks of maternity leave. Find which works for you. In general, the younger your baby, the easier this transition will be. Certainly, a young infant will be less aware of any change of environment and caregiver than an older child. The older the child, the more challenging the adjustment may be, since the child will be more aware of his or her surroundings and the absence of the parent.

2. Define your daycare schedule: Your work schedule will determine this. If you work part-time, or have friends or family nearby willing to take turns watching the baby, that means less time at daycare. Also, if you and your spouse have different work schedules (one works nights, the other days, or one works weekends) that may change the full days or half days you leave your little one in daycare.

3. Consistency is the key. Keep in mind it may be easier for your child to adjust if there is greater consistency of care. If they attend less than three days a week, the daycare environment and caregivers may not become familiar as quickly, and the overall experience may seem somewhat disjointed. One day they’re home with Mommy or Yaya, the next they’re with a caregiver at daycare. If you have a choice, a shorter day, more days a week, would be preferable to a longer day, one or two days a week.

4. Prepare your child for greater independence. In other words, encourage your baby to feel safe and secure even when he or she is outside of your arms, and away from your immediate presence. That means: resist the temptation to hold them in your arms or on your lap all the time. Let your little one feel safe and secure in many spaces at home, including their crib, swing, bouncer, Jumperoo, or crawl space. Encourage them to explore their surroundings and move freely.

5. Help your baby develop patience. Leaping nervously to your feet, and running to your baby’s side every time she makes a sound may give her the wrong message. Give her the reassurance she is safe even when you are not in touching distance.

http://www.examiner.com/x-11511-Cincinnati-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Exa...