I Have Decided To Take A Part Time Job....

[Soccermom]

Hey all,

So I just accepted a part time job at the school my daughter's both attend. It is a great opportunity for me because it means being off during the summer and being home with my girls when they get home from school BUT it means having to put my 3 year old in childcare for a few hours everyday.....this has me really torn.
I plan to continue babysitting children afterschool which is what I do right now because I will be home before the bus and will be able to pick my son up from the babysitter around 2pm but I feel so bad putting him in care and I know I shouldn't because I DO childcare and know lots of women who do and the kids have a great time there.
The woman who has agreed to take him has an inhome daycare with 3 other children the same age as my son. (For the last year or so my son has been the only one here under the age of 7 and the only boy.)
On one hand I feel that being able to play with children his own age will be so great for him but on the other hand I feel guilty for having been home all these years with my girls and not giving him that same gift.
The job I am taking is part of a new government project for the school and once you are in, you are in. If I get in now I will be able to be at home during the summers with him and afterschool when he starts school. The job opportunity will be gone in two years when he is 5 and starting kindergarden.
Any thoughts of encouragement? I feel so guilty because I have been wanting so badly to get back into the adult world but knew that being at home with my little ones was the best choice for them......but lately I feel so anxious to get out of the house and try something new.
(I have been doing childcare for over 8 years now...)

[cheerfuldom]

He's had over 3 years of mommy time. You have made a big commitment to him and I am sure, done a great job. At this age, a lot of kids are in preschool anyway. I am sure he will be just fine considering he can tell you if something is not right, he has been around kids and the environment before, and he will get the chance to be around kids his age. Really, this whole situation should work out nicely and he will be in school too in two years, right? You will still have all the school breaks and he is only going till 2pm on the days he is in daycare. He will have a lot more family time than a lot of other kids and I think that the hours could be a good compromise. I would do this if my kids were school age!

[MyAngels]

Sometimes situations change, and this sounds like a great opportunity for you. Don't feel guilty for putting your son in daycare. He got you for his first three years, and that is special. Plus, it sounds like it will only be for a few hours each day. You're in a unique position - having been a provider - so you'll be able to pick a great program/provider for him.

Good luck in the new job happyface.

[MizzCheryl]

Congratulations!
I know it's hard but don't feel bad. It great that you will be picking him up by 2pm. He will probably love being with other his age. Stinks to always be the youngest.
Life is what we make it.

[Sunchimes]

Don't feel guilty. You have to weigh now against the future, and it sounds like it is the perfect job. He will love making new friends and having new experiences. I tell my parents not to feel guilty. There kids are having fun, learning, safe, and loved at my house, just as they would be at home. They should go do what they need to do for their family's security, and not worry. I'll say the same to you.

[jojosmommy]

I would keep reminding yourself of the positives. He GETS the gift of learning to play with other kids his age. He GETS time out of the house to try new things. He GETS to learn how to behave in another social situation. He will appreciate mom more when she is home and you too will savor it when you are with him. He no longer has to share his mom (or his things) with DCK.

I would think of a ritual you two can do together, either sing a particular song on the way to daycare or let him choose a kid friendly cd to play in the car each AM. Something you wouldn't have done if he was at home waiting for dck to arrive. Then do something special on the way back home before the dck you are watching afterschool get home. This way it won't be hard, just something new and special.

[Soccermom]

Thank you all for your kind replies!! **Hugs**
Your words have really made me feel so much better.
DH would much prefer that I stay at home but I need to do this for me so it has been really hard....it is nice to have others on my side