We’ve seen it before and we’re sure we’ll see it again.
Unfortunately, with the way that our current economy is established, you can’t always spend as much time as you’d like to with your little one before going back to work. In some cases, you don’t get any time.
Becoming a mother is a life-long commitment that starts at conception and never ends, no matter how old your child is. If you’re lucky (and would like to) you can stay home with your children as they grow; or maybe you’re looking forward to being a working mom/dad!
Today’s blog is meant to be a helpful collection of tips, resources, and ideas for any mother or father who is struggling with sending their child to daycare.
#1. You Are Not Alone
Please know that this feeling of dread, fear, territorialism, and selfishness is common, normal, and totally reasonable. There is no shame in struggling to share your little one’s childhood, especially if you don’t have a partner or one who empathizes with those feelings. Build a support group — a small collection of people that you care about and who care about you that can help you through. A number of our parents have found success and friends through Facebook’s groups feature.
#2. Take Criticism Lightly
One mom told us that she started trying a new technique that really helped her turn her mentality around. She preaches, “Don’t listen to criticism from a person you wouldn’t turn to for advice.” We think it’s brilliant! If you wouldn’t ask Stacy — your annoying coworker whose only responsibility are her two turtles — for advice on how to raise your child then don’t listen to her nasty criticisms of working parents.
#3. Practice Self Care
We know that sounds silly, impossible, and like we’re out of touch with reality for this suggestion. But the reality of it is that if you’re taking care of yourself, you can better take care of your child. Find something small that gives you energy and make it a ritual. For some women, that’s waking up a half hour early to put on make-up or taking fifteen minutes to read before bed. We know some dads who wake up an hour early to get in a short, intense work-out or very simply, take a quiet ten minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee while they scroll through their Twitter feed.
#4. Seek Therapy
Thankfully, in 2019, mental health is now viewed as important as physical health. If you felt bad in your stomach, you’d go see a doctor which means it makes sense that if you felt like a bad parent for sending your kid to daycare, you’d go see a doctor who could help. Find a therapist — one who you trust, connect with, and treats you well. No time for therapy? There’s a lot of great options for certified therapy online, over the phone, and at an affordable price. Check out this list to see if one of these services is for you.
#5. Find A Nanny You Love
We know that finding a nanny is kind of like dating again, a nightmare you don’t want to relive. However, the succession of “first dates” you’ll go on with possible nannies where you have all those awkward conversations is going to be crucial in the long run. Ultimately, you should find a nanny who feels like family. Whether that means you ask someone who is your actual family member or someone else, your nanny should not only be someone that you love and trust, but also that your child loves, trusts, and feels comfortable around. It may seem weird for a daycare to suggest finding a nanny, but the reality is that “it takes a village” to raise a well-rounded child. Nannies can help you with pick up, drop off, sick days, field trips, and more.
A World Of Discoveries
At A World of Discoveries, we love your children almost as much as you do. We prioritize their health, safety, comfort, and fun. Not only do we care about your children but we also care about you! We feel it’s important to help our parents take as great a care of themselves as they do their little ones. You can focus on work knowing that you can trust us with your children. Call today and get more information about enrolling your child in A World of Discoveries.