Thursday, June 07, 2007
I'm trying to avoid a panic attack!
Snuggle Bug is going into daycare, starting Monday. Well, actually, Oronzo is taking him in today and tomorrow for a couple of hours in the morning to get him acclimated.It hasn't even happened yet and I'm already a basket case! I practically started crying when I spoke with the daycare director Tuesday morning. The part where I explained that he's been a stay-at-home kid for most of his life (all 2 ½ years of it) got me all choked up.
We're putting our baby into daycare. Our gentle, somewhat timid baby is going to have to be in a small room with eight other 2 years olds and he's going to have to learn to fend for himself, to an extent. The thought terrifies me!
Thankfully, for my sanity, this is a temporary situation. Oronzo has been offered a 3 to 4 month contract job that he's not going to be able to work on from home. He'll have to work full-time hours at a company that's about an hour drive from our house. The good news is that he's getting nearly $50/hour to do this job, plus time and a half if he has to work overtime.
Over the next several months, with our combined income, we'll be able to finish paying off debt, stash more money away into savings, and even get some home improvement projects done around our house.
We've decided that the long term benefits of the salary generated from this temporary job will outweigh the short term drawbacks (Snuggle Bug having to go to daycare, Oronzo not being able to spend each weekday with his son, the long commute Oronzo will have to make to work, etc).
It's only temporary. It's only temporary. It's only temporary.
This chant keeps running through my mind and I'm holding on to the thought for dear life! And if things aren't working out, we can pull Snuggle Bug out and go back to the way it is now, right?
I'm sure you'll be seeing more frantic posts on this subject of daycare in the future.
Supportive comments would be most appreciated!
Labels: daycare, family, Oronzo, Snuggle Bug
18 Comments:
My prayers are with you ~I know it can't be an easy decision. But, God will bless and keep your sweet little one while he is away from home. Just keep saying, "it is only temporary.." Blessings to you today!
I can only imagine what it must be like to have to let go JUST A LITTLE! But I must say that I have nannied for a few years and there are so many people out there who will take wonderful care of your child. Just get to know their caretakers and you will feel so much better.... but just imaginge the hug you'll get when you pick the little one up!!!
Be strong. Snuggle Bug having to go to daycare is not a drawback, short term or otherwise. Social interaction with kids his age (and all the frustrations that go with it) is good for him.
Do you mind some unsolicitated advice?
1. When you drop Snuggle Bug in daycare, kiss him bye bye and do a quick exit, even if he cries. He might cry for the next 5 minutes. But he's strong and he'll find something fun to do.
2. If you have to assure yourself, assure yourself away from Snuggle Bug's eyes.
When my 4-year old went to daycare when he was 2-years old. He always cried, nay wailed, whenever my wife or I dropped him off.
I felt sad.
So, I hanged around the parking lot of the daycare for about 5 to 10 minutes. During those times, I'd peek through the fences, wanting to see if he was still crying.
I'd see him, playing with other 2-year olds (mostly girls) and laughing out loud.
I felt even more sad.
"Hmp," I told myself. "I thought I was the only one who could make him laugh."
:)
Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com
Prayers for peace of heart and all your needs to be met during this temporary time. (And all other times too ;) )
God gave him to you and Oronzo and you will make the best decisions for him--including decisions to get rid of debt (which stresses parents, which stresses kids).
~Blessings~
Be strong. It is going to be harder on you than it will be on Snuggle Bug.
And I can attest to what Mike said, Snuggle Bug will cry when you leave - at least the first few days - but his crying will stop in 5 minutes or less. Then you'll be all sorts of jealous at how he is laughing and playing with the teachers and his new friends.
Think of it this way. Daycare will bring lessons in social interaction, new experiences and a chance to adapt to change. No one will replace you in his heart. Every morning and every night Snuggle Bug will need and want to play, cuddle and be loved by you and Oronzo.
Hang in there..... You are not alone...You are right, he will be fine you will be a mess but eventually you will see that it will be fine... I drove 82 miles a day 41 miles one way to make sure my son was in a good day care...
for the past 4 yrs..
Good luck & I'll keep you in my prayers.
You were able to keep him at home for 2 1/2 years. That is wonderful. He will meet new people and make new friends. His world will get a little bigger. He knows who his parents are and won't get them confused with his care providers.
It is only temporary and while it may not the absolute best for him, it is the best for the entire family. Both of my boys have been in daycare since they were 8 weeks old. I am happy that We, the paretns, have been a significant force in their lives, that we have passed on our values.
Oh, what a big step. And not one to be taken lightly. Trust that God will be watching over your little one (as always) when you cannot. His little horizons are going to expand so fast, and soon you will be writing posts about the funny things he said or did that day in daycare!
Im praying for you all. It will all work out, and he will be fine. Just think of all the new friends he will make and the moms and dads you will both meet.
Oh, my friend, my heart hears yours! I am SO sorry that you're going through this but just keep repeating that mantra. It does sound like it was too good of a situation to pass up! Please email me if you want to cry, talk, or vent. I'll have a listening ear ready for you!
I agree that it will be hard for you but kids are resilient and I bet a room full of others his age will help the transition along and he will enjoy going and playing the days away.
How hard this must be for you! Good thing it is only temporary! At least he will be playing with other kids and having a great time! I was a daycare kid growing up, and I turned out fine!! :) But I know how hard it was for my mom!
Jane, Pinks & Blues Girls
I used to work in a day care center and from what I can tell you, your sweet tot will be just fine. I don't envy your position but knowing it's temporary makes it easier. Ther eare lots of good things to be found in this situation. Stay strong!
I found your Blog through another and have been enjoying your posts. My heart goes out to you, this must be a hard time, just rely on the Lord! He will bless this situation. I do childcare for 2 young children and they do very well. I pray the Lord will calm your heart and give you peace.
I know this is hard for you. I'm praying for you guys! I'll bet that Snuggle Bug will adapt quickly and even have fun with his new friends. I'll pray for a quick adjustment for him and peace for you.
Congrats to Oronzo on the new job! The time will go quickly and it will be so wonderful that you guys are in a clean and free financial situation. Praying for your strength to make it through.
I'm sure you've already checked the day care place carefully. I think a good gage of it would be if the other children there seem content and happy.
But I do understand this is hard. When daughter Barb at "A Chelsea Morning" started first grade, I was so afraid to let her cross streets, that I walked big and pregnant in hot Texas heat to and from the school each day for a week, until I noticed I was the only parent there to walk my child home. So I will be thinking of you as you deal with this.
Hope all went well :)
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