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Blogging Baby Size 6: Great things about daycare
Filed under: Just For Moms, Childcare
Daycare gets persecuted in the media -- parents who work full-time are often in a position where they must defend their decision to put their child in another adults care during the day. But, you know, daycare has a lot going for it.I felt nothing but horrible guilt for the first few months I had to leave Nolan at daycare to go to work. But now, I mostly feel relief. Here's six of the best reasons why:
1.) The sweetness of other kids. Nolan has a roomful of children who are eager to hug him, kiss him, take his hand and show him the new puzzle. He has a group of friends and it is evident that he loves it.
2.) The knowledge that firmness works with him. Nolan listens to Carrie and her Mom in a way he doesn't with me. He puts on his coat when they ask him to, he goes down for his nap without a battle, and I know it's because they are fair and firm. Through them, I have learned that I am more than a little wishy-washy when it comes to being firm with Nolan, and that's a good thing. (If I can master the firm "Nu-uh-uh" like Carrie and her Mom, the toilet swirling will stop forever, and not a moment too soon!)
3.) A reality check. "I tell him no!" I protested to Carrie when she told me that Nolan was not used to being refused. She looked at me hard. "Well, kind of," I squeaked. Well, I don't really. I kind of half-assed suggest he shouldn't do that. And that mist change.
4) Independent play skills. Nolan knows how to play quietly and happily by himself: with blocks, a book, a truck, or a hunk of tupperware. I know he learned this at daycare, and I am grateful.
5) A tidy routine. When I do have him at home now, Nolan has snacks, lunch, and naptime at a regular and appropriate time. He likes his routine and it makes my life a lot easier.
6) The end of the day. There is nothing better than the end of the day, when I descend the stairs and quietly watch Nolan for a minute while he plays with his friends. Inevitably, another kid will yell,"Nolan! Your Mom is here!" and he will drop whatever he is doing and his face will light up and he will come sprinting into my arms. The feeling I get while he buries his face in my neck and covers me with drooly kisses is indescribable. Without question, it's the best part of my day.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
1-27-2007 @ 1:39PM
Kelly said...No. 6 is the best!
I agree with the rest and will add:
7. New friends. It is hard to conenct withother working parents -- when do we have time! -- daycare comes with other parents who we have a lot in common with -- good stuff.
8. Creativity. Alone, I would not have the imagination, resources, patience, or ability to provide so many enriching arts and music activities.
9. Another POV. I love getting feedback from my son's teachers about his development. It is affirming and encouraging to know he is truly doing well.
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1-28-2007 @ 12:10PM
Gabriella said...thanks for making me feel a whole lot better when my daughter goes to daycare in September
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1-27-2007 @ 6:28PM
Bonnie said...I also enjoy working with the teachers as a team. Spencer hit the terrible twos in full force almost over night and had us frustrated and stressed out. I went to his teacher, choking back tears, and talked about some of the recent problems at home and together we focused on a few specific areas to work on ensuring that we were aligned and delivering consistent messaging. The front office loaned me a copy of Super Nanny (they keep several on hand for this purpose) and we all worked as a team.
And it blows my mind that even when he was in the 18-24 month classroom the kids could identify all of their classmates' moms and dads when we arrive for pick up!
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1-27-2007 @ 2:43PM
Lisa J. said...I agree! A good daycare center has tons of benefits. My daughter really blossomed when she was in daycare, which made my husband and I feel a lot better about resuming our professional lives!
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1-27-2007 @ 5:54PM
Adrienne said...I realize some people have to put their kids in daycare and I'm not knocking that. But it makes me feel sad to think about my son in day care. I am absolutely delighted that I get to spend all day at home with him. I think the benefits of him being with his mom far outweigh the benefits that day care may provide.
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1-27-2007 @ 4:44PM
Cheryl said...I am home with my daughter part time and she is in day care part time. I've noticed that she seems really cheerful after her day care days, seeing new people and toys and other babies. I feel pretty good about day care now, although I was really worried about it before she started.
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1-27-2007 @ 5:33PM
Lisa J. said..."I think the benefits of him being with his mom far outweigh the benefits that day care may provide."
Hmmmm....maybe not "better" or "less than," but just different benefits?
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1-29-2007 @ 12:22AM
Heather said...#6 is my fav as well. My ds is usually the same way. They only time he isn't that way is if he is making something for me then he says " just a minuite k, I am busy" . THis makes me laugh.
I also love that when he goes to daycare the other kids are excited to see him. " Tyler's here, come play with me Tyler," No he is going to play with me!" The comments from the teachers about how gentle he is makes me feel like I am doing something right.
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1-30-2007 @ 8:19AM
robin said...I really liked this post. My newly 2 year old will be transitioning from a home daycare with 2 other kids to a full scale daycare. While I am nervous, I know it's the best move for him.
BTW-I had to bookmark this site. I miss reading you from your old blog.
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1-30-2007 @ 9:19AM
Amy said...AMEN! I love seeing all my daughter's friends every day and seeing them greet her when we walk in. It's like the bar from "Cheers" ("NORM!!!!!")!
And I second the team approach and chidren benefitting from being taught by a variey of people. My daughter does so many more things at school (she is 2) than I would ever think to do and she loves being there. And in the evening, she loves coming home - it's a wonderful mix. At home she is the Center of the Universe and at school she learns to work in a group environment - I love that.
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