Day Care and Children

Can you guess which part of my day is my favorite? Easy huh? It’s when I walk in my children’s daycare and the welcome hugs knock me off my feet. I hold them and take in their sweet smiles and warm bodies. I spend some time chatting with their care providers and seeing how the day went.

It wasn’t always easy to accept that others would be taking care of my children. I used to feel a lot of guilt about putting them in daycare. I fussed and fretted and eventually tried a lot of different scenarios. Over and over I have found that my favorite was a licensed daycare. But that’s what works for my family. I see too many parents trying to make a decision about their childcare based on some one else’s needs, expectations and opinions. Like most things in parenting, ultimately you’ll need to decide what is right for you based on your unique situation.

I’ve trusted my gut and it’s been working out very well. If I ever wonder what my child is doing, I just look at their daily report. Here’s a peek at yesterday’s report for my 19 month old toddler. (I’ve summarized)

• He was happy, active, chatty and independent.
• He did dramatic play, music and movement, art and creative block building.
• He did story and circle time and outdoor play.
• He enjoyed pouring the water with the cups at the water table.
• He danced to music and played dress–up.
• He pretended to feed a baby doll bread and then wiped its mouth with a paper towel.
• He ate yogurt, chicken nuggets, oranges, potatoes, ketchup, bread and a muffin.
• He drank water, milk and apple juice.
• He slept from 12:10 to 2:00 pm.
• He had plenty of wet diapers and even a poppy one.
• He brushed his teeth.

Do I still worry about my kids? Sure, but not so much anymore. How could I not be happy with a daycare provider that watches my child feed a dolly and then tells me about this little bit of sweetness? My children love their “school”. They give hugs hello and kisses goodbye. I have such gratitude for these kind and generous souls who love my children and keep them safe, so that I may go and keep other children safe. Trust your instincts and give each person, including yourself, the dignity of making their own choice. I’m happy with mine.

Sheila Cason, MD