Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

Now that our 2nd son arrived, our tentative plan is for me to be a SAHM. (I'll need to return to work briefly in March to claim my bonus, pension, etc. but my mom/ILs will watch both boys for those 3 weeks.)

It's been our goal for me to stay home with both boys and we've worked VERY hard financially to make this a possibility - I'm proud that we're comfortably able to do this.

So why do I feel horrible for older DS when I called his day care center this AM to give them 4 wks' notice that we're pulling him out? I know the best place for both boys will be home with me but DS LOVES his friends and his teachers. We were on a long waiting list to get him into this particular center, and I feel like I'm taking something away from him.

Maybe I'm just hormonal (I'm only 10 days PP), but I'm genuinely feeling bad about pulling him - maybe the reality of not returning to work is affecting me? Has anyone else gone through these feelings??

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

When DS #2 was born I pulled DS#1 from daycare to stay with me.

I felt exactly the same way since at "school" they do so much with them and at home I was tied to the newborn.

I would look into a pre-school of some sort for a few days a week so he still gets that outlet

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

I would def look into some sort of school for him. It is really good that they are home with you but I feel like they still need to be with other kids and in a preschool too.

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

Yea absolutely, what about preschool part-time or a playgroup?

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

We pulled DS from daycare over the summer and come late winter my mom is considering watching him FT, but Im on the fence about it. It would save us a TON of money, but I feel bad about it too.

He LOVES it there, he has fun, friends, learns so much, has an activity filled day.

I had guilt when we pulled him out for the summer too!

Isnt it so strange how most of us had such a hard time putting them in daycare in the first place, but when it comes time to take them out....we have guilt about that too?

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

Yes, we already have a few playgroups set up in our neighborhood with other families with SAHMs and children of similar ages. Plus we're involved in our library programs as well as neighborhood events. Our house is also within walking distance of three parks, the beach, and several playgrounds and we're planning on doing swimming lessons at the Y, too.

I'm hoping we can make it work well for all of us....the thought of getting an infant and toddler ready for daycare every morning on top of getting myself ready for work, taking the dog out, keeping the house in order, making dinner, etc., scares the hell out of me....I'm thankful we have an alternative....

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

I'm hoping we can make it work well for all of us....the thought of getting an infant and toddler ready for daycare every morning on top of getting myself ready for work, taking the dog out, keeping the house in order, making dinner, etc., scares the hell out of me....I'm thankful we have an alternative....



so true...its a COMPLETE nightmare

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

there is no better place for your DS than home with Mommy!!!!! He will want to be with you over the teachers any day Enjoy being home with your children!

Message edited 11/24/2009 12:54:40 PM.

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

I am dreading this too. Not sure what I am goingt o do when #2 comes yet but if I do continue to work PT, I have to find a new daycare for both of them bc our current daycare does not take infants PT. DD LOVES it there and is even starting to talk about her teachers and asks for them sometimes when she is not there.

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

I think at first he will miss it, but I think in the long run he will cherish the memories he creates with you.

Enjoy your time with your little ones.

Re: Bittersweet - pulling DS from daycare today

I went through this too after my second arrived. DS#1 loved daycare and had gone two days a week since he was 12 weeks. I felt terrible taking him out.

He did miss his friends but I enrolled him in preschool which he absolutely loves.