Thursday, June 9, 2011

Adios Day Care

This week I turned in Max's "two week notice" at his day care.  He's been there for almost a year and in that year he's been sick approximately 4839204830 times.  Tests have been run to check for immune deficinies but he's totally fine. He's just more susecptible to catching a bug than your average toddler.

About a month ago, I got another "Come get your sick kid right now" call while I was at work. He hadn't been over his last fever but a week.  I burst into tears as soon as I hung up the phone.  I hated seeing my poor guy suffer.  I hated that he flipped out instantly upon walking into the doctors office. I hated watching finger prick after blood draw after antibiotic shot.  The poor child was a human pin cushion. I also hated that I was constantly leaving work or calling in to take care of him.  My co-workers (all parents as well) are sympatheic but people can only cover my butt for so long.

I made an instant decision.  I was pulling him out of that day care. I didn't know what the next step would be.  Quit working and stay at home? Smaller day care? Find a Babysitter? Some other option?  We needed a change, and soon.

It wasn't just the frequent illness.  There were other reasons I wanted him out of that facility.  Nothing major and nothing I want to air on the internet, but I knew a better option was out there.  Finding something new was an idea Brett and I have been kicking around for awhile but now it was time to take action.

We reseachered other facilities. I picked the brains of friends who were stay at home moms. (For those who answered me, thank you so much for your honest responses.) We interviewed babysitters.  We took a close look at our finances.  (And by me I mean Brett. I'm numbers incompetent).

After a few tears, a lot of prayers and several more gray hairs, we offered the job to a babysitter and she starts in just over a week.

I'm still nervous about this decision.  I'm weirded out that someone will be in my house while I am not there.  What if she sees our dvd collection or DVR que, sees we have terrible taste and runs without notice? I no longer have some of the flexibility I did with day care.  Running late or changing my schedule isn't as easy.  What will I do to make sure Max gets socilization with other kids?

However, outside of less exposure to germs, there are other benefits.  Max naps longer and more frequently at home. He can sleep later too, since most mornings we wake him up to get ready.  The additional sleep alone will help him stay healthy.  For me, I will now have 50-60 minutes (round trip) of kid free commuting that won't involve a screaming toddler or Bob the Builder DVD's blaring behind me. Also, since I won't have to get him up and ready for the day, I get an extra 30 minutes of sleep!

So it's time for Max's next chapter.  Who knows how it will go?  It could be the best thing to happen to him. I could be frantically scrambling to find help in 2 weeks.  I could get fired, having someone else make the stay-at-home-mom decision for me. Whatever happens I just want to end up in what is the best situation for my son.

Wish me luck because I suck at change!

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12 comments:

Katie Clarkson said...

Good luck Laura! I hope this new change works out the best for everyone. But if for some reason it doesn't, there's always another option, weather it be a different sitter, another daycare, or you staying at home.

AJsArts said...

Change is scary! You'll be fine and six months from now you will be laughing that this was even an issue :)

Hugs,
Manda :)

Jenny said...

Congrats on the change! It sounds kind of like a win-win...or at least I hope it turns out that way.

I have just one comment -- don't worry about the socialization thing. I'm a complete homebody and my kids are lucky if they get a playdate once a week and both of them are over-the-top social butterflies. You'll see for yourself in a few weeks! Max will be just fine. And so will you! So happy for your family!

Jen said...

Fingers crossed that this will work out.

But don't forget to get him some socialization with other kids. Find some play groups that your sitter can take him too.

Just my 2 cents. :)

Miranda said...

It sounds like a good change for him! I hope it all works out smoothly for you guys. Don't stress TOO much over the socialization. When my oldest was young we pretty much stayed around the house for the most part and he is the most outgoing of all of our kids. I mean, a play group is great, but I wouldn't stress over it if you can't fit it in the schedule on a regular basis. Sunday school and trips to the park seemed more than enough for our little guy. :)

Jenna said...

As long as there's no porn and she's not afraid of aliens she shouldn't be too bothered by your entertainment options. :)

Good luck to you! It sounds like a much better situation for everybody.

Unpolished Parenting said...

Good luck with the changes! I'll be sending good thoughts your way :)

Lala said...

If you are that nervous, you get a Nanny Cam installed...But I'm sure everything will be great. You are a really good judge of character so I doubt you will have issues with your new babysitter. Max will be a happier kiddo once he isn't sick all the time. And some churches do "mom's day out" where stay-at-home moms or nannies can take the kiddos to play. That might be an option too! I love you and no matter what happens, it will be for the best!!

raisingmarshmallows said...

Poor little guy! We were fortunate enough to not have to use a daycare, but preschool was a breeding ground for germs. They were sick all of the time. I have a feeling things will work out for you and your son.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'm your new follower.

WeeMasonMan's Mom said...

Having done this debate many many times in my own head, I feel for you!

I hope it works out GREAT!!!! Fingers crossed for you guys!

w said...

hope everything has worked out okay!

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

Sounds like you're making a great decision - good luck!

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