Hello Mommies,
I was wondering if any of you had any advice on how I might be able to leave my child for a little while at a time. I am a SAHM and my husband and I don't have any family out here. We love spending time with our precious 18 month old DD, but I worry that she is not getting the social skills she needs by spending all her time with us. I was thinking about joining a gym where they have child watch and leaving her with them for 30 minutes at a time. I have never left her with anyone , aside from my husband, of course! She has playdates every now and again, but nothing consistent. I take her to storytimes, etc., but again, I am with her. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Do you have a MOPS group near you? They provide childcare for the kids and you get to chat with the other moms....www.mops.org
Hi J.,
I was in a similar situation with my daughter (who is now 2.5). I put her in a 2-day (from 9am-lunch) preschool at a local church. She absolutely loves it, plus she is learning some amazing things already. They teach her spanish, music, etc. At this preschool, they also help with potty training (for the 1s & 2s classes). I know many churches offer Mothers Morning Out programs too.
Hope this information helps. Good luck!
Mops is a great idea - the gym would be good too - for both of you. Just check out the gym daycare first - ours is great, but I always like to observe. Good luck!
you might look into a coop preschool, too. I think that for three year olds you'd spend some classes 'in charge' of the group, but could spend other classes 'off'. This might be a nice transition, and something that would get you moving towards a schedule of regular activity which seems like good practice for future schooling.
If you do have a friend with a similar aged kid, you could do babysitting swapping, too. Boy, it would probably be great to get out for a night with your husband once in a while, and i bet a friend would appreciate the return favor. This works extra well for us because we can sell it to the kids as a play date.
Whatever you do, remember to talk it up to your kid about how much fun she'll have, and don't let on any trepidation that you have about the experience. This will help her view it as an adventure and not as scary.
I understand where you are coming from. We also don't have any family in the area either. My DD goes to a daycare 5 hrs a week to have the socialization. She had started going when I was in school but now I am done, we just reduced her time since she enjoyed going and seeing her friends. We also joined the YMCA. She loves the pool. They also have an indoor playtime to take her too. My DD is still getting used to the childcare while I work out. I am trying to go play with her in the childcare room so she can get used to it. it was recommended that I be consistent on the time of day that I go so maybe she can be with the same kids and teachers. She also goes to the Little Gym in Alderwood for gymnastics (running around time). We have been very happy with that too.
I am always looking for walking partners and park friends if you are interested. My DD is 20 months. We could also then work into trading childcare. Good luck with whatever you decide.
What about finding a daycare? Nothing against gym daycares, but are they really set up to provide the type of experiences that you are looking for for your daughter?
I too have no family near by .I have had to work 2 days a week,so my 6 month old goes to a friends day care those 2 days. I have a hard time each week having to leave him for the day. What does get me through it is knowing it is better for him and probably both of us. I think being around other people and other children is great. Though other than those 2 days I dont leave him with anyone. I wish you luck and just keep reminding yourself why you are doing it....thats what works for me.
I have a 15 month old son and he has been in childcare part-time since he was 3 months old. I don't usually have issues with separation anxiety. I do teach a fitness class (Nia) in Redmond at DanceWorks studio. Fortunately, at this time I am able to provide childcare for my students for a fee. There are 2 other children around 16 months that have some separation anxiety. Over time both children are getting accustomed to the provider. However, if one of the moms skips a couple of weeks it is more difficult for her daughter. Occassionally, the daughter will join us on the dance floor and slowly migrate back to where the other children are. To learn more about Nia you can visit www.niaseattle.com.
You say she has playdates sometimes--is there one mom/dad she seems to particularly like? That might be a good choice for someone to leave her with. And you could return the favor by watching that person's child.
If you don't have MOPS, ask around and see if there is any type of playgroup where the moms/dads take turns watching the kids. There was one here when we moved here, it was great! Might even be worth starting one
K. Z.
