Childcare dilemna

[PrincessFiona]

Leni is coming for 3 1/2 weeks....during this time, I was not planning on sending Aidan to the inhome daycare 2-3 mornings a week. Instead, I was planning on having him stay with Leni although I am still planning on paying for that time (because I have no choice ).

Today, my friend and childcare provider informed me that this was not 'in the best interest' of Aidan and that I needed to bring him anyway...we had a long debate about it but she firmly believes that it is more important for him to have the routine of going there. I personally believe that this 3 week or so break in the routine is no big deal and that he may have a day where he might struggle to adjust to it again but it's no big deal to me....I don't think it will be the trauma that will send him into therapy...I'm sure I'll make plenty of other mistakes that will accomplish that.

What would you do? I can't imagine telling Leni that I know she's here, but I'm sending Aidan to a childcare provider.

If Aiden were going every day, I could see that, but not if its just a couple days a week normally.

Perhaps you could use her more as a sitter one day each of those weeks and do "grownup" things with Leni(who I don't know anything about )

[Phoebe]

Although I see both sides, I think you are the mom and do what you feel is right.

Jennifer

[SueC]

I used to watch kids, and honestly I don't see what the big deal is either. Especially if you are going to pay her regardless. He may have a rough couple of days after the 3 weeks is up, but I don't think it would be too traumatic. I agree with Jennifer, you're the mom and you get to decide.

[Cumberland]

My daughter goes to an inhome daycare too for 2 days a week ( and i have to pay if she misses a week). When it is inbetween semesters or I have family in town, I dont take her and there is never any big readjustment issue. I might just tell your DCP that you understand where she is coming from, but him spending time with Grandma over from Europe is more important. Personally, if I was the DCP, I would be like, one less kid, woo hoo.

[SueC]

Personally, if I was the DCP, I would be like, one less kid, woo hoo.

Whenever my kiddos would be out of town, the last thing I was worried about was how they'd adjust when they would get back! Sounds like you have a great sitter Kris if she doesn't have my lazy attitude!

[houseelf]

DS typically missed 10 to 12 weeks a year with all the grandparent, aunt, uncle visits here, all our visits home, and then my sitters' days off. Readjustment has never been a huge issue. (De-grandparenting, however, has had its moments).

I think that it is up to you. Ask yourself: Do you trust Lainie alone with Aidan? If not, your sitter has given you the perfect excuse: He will have adjustment issues.

Enjoy little-miss-can't-be-wrong.

Kelly

I can't believe that! I'd say, Thanks-but I'm the mom around here! If she's getting paid the same for one less child, you'd think she'd be happy! I definitely think that the readjustment will be ok--DS's daycare is closed the week between Xmas and New Year's and he ended up being out even longer with our holiday plans and I don't think he really cared one way or another. Honestly, I've found that drastically altering his nap/sleep schedule is more disruptive than whether he's at DC or at home, so as long as that's relatively the same, I'm sure it will be ok...