^ I agree!
We dont know her life or what she is going through. She is doing the best she can. Since we have no idea what her circumstances are...I would feel terrible saying she is putting her job/work above her children. No mother would do that and I dont think she is.
Why should she stay home and twiddle her thumbs while her daughter is in daycare? She can very well work and support her husband if she chooses. She can also stay home if she chooses. She is asking for ideas on how to make the best of her schedule the way it is.
Also, I think daycare is a good thing for children. I have a niece that lives with me right now and she is the ONLY child. When she is with us, she is a dream. BUT when there are other kids around...she doesnt know how to behave. She is so used to getting her way, its difficult to tell her not trample on other kids. These social skills are learned in daycare as well as other things. She will learn to make friends, share, rules, routines, etc. I was SO opposed to daycares before my niece was born but now I am pro-daycare.
Kudos!
You just said what I was thinking. This thread is not about whether working a job is more important than being there for your child, I think its about how to better manage both and remember certain items. My son is starting childcare again this Monday & I am a bit anxious, but I really like this new facility he is going to. Everything is so clean & brand new. Plus I really felt good about the instructors, their personality...e.tc. Anyways I definitely agree with making a checklist...maybe post it in a high traffic area...like the fridge. That way do a quick run through of the list to make sure you have the essentials. What we did was keep a few essential extras at the daycare...so even if we forgot, it would be there. Aside from the milk/food I try to pack his diaper bag the night before to make sure I have everything and do a double check in the morning.
AI agree with this poster that kids learn so much in daycare, granted its a good one. This one they have a schedule of things they do, and in the afternoon the children have 1 on 1 sessions with a teacher and get to do whatever they want. They have so many different tables set up as stations to do different activities/arts/crafts...also reading/music/dance time...nap time...etc. Once he adjusts I am sure he will love it.