Camp and New Sibling at Home?

DD is almost 2.5 and will be starting a 3's program in September. Her preschool has a summer camp program for 5 weeks, 3 days a week, 3 hours a day. I am on the fence about enrolling her in the program bc I am expecting DC number 2 any day now and DC number 2 will likely be around 2 months old when camp starts. I keep flipping back and forth between the pros and cons and was wondering if anyone had experience or advice on this

Pro--

she will meet some kids that will likely be in her 3's program in September. She will be doing the program with my niece with whom she is bffs which will hopefully help her ease into separation both for camp and come september. She will have an opportunity to socialize and get out of the house and be entertained while I am "occupied" with the baby .

Cons-
I am afraid DD may feel like she is being pushed away bc of the baby since esp this will be her first experience with separation.
I am missing out on time at home with DD since I will still be on maternity leave during most of the session and am otherwise a PT-FTWM. I will be tied down a bit with scheduling on camp days. I'll have to manage shuttling around DD while working around the new babies schedule.

Re: Camp and New Sibling at Home?

Send her to camp.
I did that when DS2 was born. DS1 was 2 yrs old and still kept him at daycare 3 days a week over the summer. The days he went he either swam in the kiddie pool or they did sprinklers, spent lots of outside time on the playground, played sports and they did picnic lunches on the picnic tables.

Was the best of both worlds. I had a newborn and couldn't stay outside so long with the baby while watching a 2 yr old on a playground or pool. It was only 3 days a week. The days he was at camp I got quality time with the baby and when DS1 was home and the baby napped we had lots of quality time together too. My parents watched the baby once in a while so I could take DS1 to the sprinkler park or in our pool.
DS1 never felt left out. He loved the summer program bc it was all about playing and having fun with friends. SOunds like she'll already know people and make friends.

Camp and New Sibling at Home?

I only have one but I think the camp sounds like a great idea. If it was an everyday, all day thing I would maybe say no but a few hours 3 days a week would be perfect. It will give you time to bond with the baby and she will have time to get out an enjoy the summer with some kids her own age!

Camp and New Sibling at Home?

Send her to camp. I sent DS 1 to daycare 3x a week when DS 2 was born and it was the best thing to both of us. It helped me rest/get stuff done/spend time with DS 2 and DS 1 had a blast.

Re: Camp and New Sibling at Home?

I would send her to camp. The thing is, with the baby being so young, I wouldn't want her to be bored ans start getting into "trouble" at home if that makes sense. This will her thing, a big girl thing, that she gets to do. It will be really great for her. She will have so much fun.

Re: Camp and New Sibling at Home?

I'm due at the end of next month and am planning on sending dd to camp also 3 days a week 2 and a half hours a day. I think its for 6 weeks. She is 2.5 and and has been attending the preschool this year, so it is a little different in that she is familiar with it. I figured at least she would have a couple of days a week where she can run around and socialize instead of being stuck on the baby's schedule with me. I say go for it!

Camp and New Sibling at Home?

Thanks so much everyone. I think I will sign her up-- now hopefully there is still space available! =)