Child Happier at Daycare than at Home
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Child Happier at Daycare than at Home
August 2006
My 7 1/2 month old daughter is apparently a joy at daycare. She eats and sleeps
well while there. She plays with the other, older babies (she's the youngest at
daycare of four girls). She is loving with everyone at day care and, according to
the
day care provider, rarely cries. But, as soon as I come to pick her up, she
starts
crying - especially if I spend some time greeting the other babies or mothers
first
before picking her up. She seems overjoyed to get to daycare in the morning and
reluctant to leave in the evening. I can handle that - I get that she's there
more
hours in the day than she is with me since I work outside of the home, too. But,
I
really don't know how to handle her eating habits at home: she eats very well
with
the provider and will quickly dispense of three bottles and some pureed veggies
and
fruits. But, all the meals she takes with me either take very long - up to an
hour to
finish a 7-ounce bottle of formula - or are very painful - she swats the spoon,
refuses even food she likes and makes gagging sounds. I know it's not the food
because she eats well at day care. What do I do??
Alex
It sounds like your daycare provider just has a lot more
on-the-job experience than you do, which is what you want in a
day care provider, right? She does this for a living, so she's a
pro. You've only been doing it for a few months. If I were you, I
would let her know that you're having trouble with a few things
and ask her for advice. Ask specific questions about how she
does certain things. Maybe you could ask to observe if you can
leave work early one day, or go in late. Two things to keep in
mind: 1) You don't have to do everything the way the daycare
provider does it. Children are very adaptable and can easily
accommodate a different style and schedule at home from the one
they have at daycare. You'll find what works best for you. 2) The
things that are tough right now will probably disappear in three
months, to be replaced by completely new tough things! Sigh.
That's just the way parenting works. Hang in there. Good luck!
Also a working mom
you know I bet yor baby is not perfect at day care when you are
away.....
i have seen it all working in the childcare industry at
homedaycares and preschool, i loved the kids dearly but i do
remember some care givers tellig the parents what they wanted to
hear.
Solution: spend a day at daycare witness the ''easyness'' first hand;
take a few 1/2 days off and watch for yourself, i bet you get a
different story...
just my 2 cents
DH
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