Thursday, December 16, 2010

It happended at daycare

My son started daycare when he was about 18 months.   It was a very difficult decision to make, but it had to be done.   Both hubby and I work full time and even though he is a very lucky little boy because he also has both of his grandmas that would  take care of him, it was time for him to move on.  It was time for daycare.

I was terrified when I had to leave him for the first time. I spent all day asking myself   all kinds of questions like "what is he doing?" or  "Did he eat lunch?" or  " Does he miss me?."  It was a lot to get use to, but  I knew that Ralphy had to learn to be more independent and I had to learn to let go.  There comes a time, when they want to try new things, meet other  children  and just  socialize. I believe this was the case with Ralphy.  He had the need to be with other children  his own age.

Now here we are, Ralphy is almost 3years old and he loves going to "school".  He knows all his colors and his ABC's, he comes home singing a new song every day and  he has a lot of friends that he talks about all the time.  He is also learning his numbers and  needless to say that the teachers were a great help when he started potty training. Ralphy was  even getting better at sharing.   He  was growing up and it all happened at daycare.

While Ralphy was busy being a "big boy", I was busy trying to get used to the idea that he was now potty training, that he was  eating all by himself with out any help, that he was no longer drinking from a bottle and didn't need me to hold it for him because like he  once told me " mommy I'm a big  boy, I can do it myself." I have never been so proud and sad at the same time in my life. The moment I have been dreading since he was born had come, the moment  that I realized that  my baby is not a baby anymore and it all happened at daycare.

So, to all the mothers out there that are maybe thinking about sending your kids to daycare, I know that the  thought of sending them may be scary at first, but it does get better.  My advice is to  you is to do your research and trust me,  you will know when you  found the right one.  I'm  happy with the little person Ralphy is turning out to be and it all happened at daycare.


Mama's Losin' It

15 comments:

Carrie said...

It's great that your little boy adjusted so well to daycare. I was lucky that I had my mother in law to watch my girls when they were young because daycare is stupidly expensive where I live.

My oldest is now in preschool and she has flourished, just as your son has :)

Visiting from Mama Kat's

Alex said...

Thank you Carrie for your comment.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post! If you're a SAHM or working mom..that is a sad feeling! Growing up before we're ready! :)

Unknown said...

My little guy is growing up fast too. It seems to happen over night.

Alex said...

They sure do ladies.. Thank you for visiting

Unknown said...

It's hard being a working mom (I can identify). Being a childcare professional who works in a daycare, I can also relate with a family's emotions when they place their child in care.

Being a mom has also helped me realize truly what an honour it is when parents place their children in my care. It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. You have given good advice... do your research and trust your instincts.

Great post!

michi said...

Whew you scared me I thought it was going to be a bad story!

Ashley said...

They learn so much being away from us, it's kind of sad and a little scary but also awesome!

Alex said...

Thank you ladies for your comments.

Ro said...

I love this... and I'm one of those folks so yeah-this is awesome.

Emily said...

My son has been in daycare since he was 7.5 months old. When I became too ill, he stayed in daycare. I have Mommy guilt but also realize that if I was still working he'd be in daycare anyway.

I think he has learned so much there and now he is already in Pre-K!

Alex said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alex said...

Thank you for your comments ;)

KD said...

You're right...sending them off to daycare is a tough decision, but it is amazing to see them grow on their own. Beautiful!

Alex said...

Thanks guys for the comments!