As a working mom, paying the mortgage is a priority, and with no relatives eager to take care of my kids for nine hours daily, daycare becomes a necessity. For those who share this experience, you know that daycare can be a wonderful environment. I genuinely appreciate our daycare; the educators are incredibly dedicated, and my kids often greet me with a look that clearly says, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”
Daycare providers deserve recognition for caring for other people’s kids—often sick and messy—for limited compensation. Their passion for nurturing children is commendable. However, even amidst the joy, learning, and friendships fostered in daycare, there are inevitable hurdles.
1. The First Day
The initial drop-off at daycare is a monumental moment, whether it’s your infant’s first day or your toddler’s transition to a new facility. It can be heart-wrenching. I remember crying uncontrollably when I dropped my daughter, The Pensive One, off after maternity leave. Luckily, infants usually don’t mind, but toddlers often add drama to the mix. Imagine trying to leave while your little one clings to your leg, wailing, “Mommy! Don’t go!” Thanks for that added layer of difficulty, kid.
2. The Germ Magnet
It’s no exaggeration to say that daycare can be a breeding ground for germs. From hand, foot, and mouth disease to other charming ailments, kids are little petri dishes of illness. Despite the cleaning protocols in place, kids are naturally messy and love to share—especially their germs. And there always seems to be that one child, let’s call him The Germ Magnet, who brings home a new illness every week. Seriously, how does he manage this?
3. The Thermometer Tango
This leads to what I fondly refer to as the Thermometer Tango. When sickness strikes, that dreaded number—100.1 degrees Fahrenheit—becomes a significant concern for daycare moms. If your child hits that mark, it’s time to go home for at least 24 hours. Sure, I enjoy snuggling with a sick kid and binge-watching shows in pajamas, but more often than not, it’s just teething or a mild cold. My daughter, The Pensive One, always managed to clock in at exactly 100.1 degrees during teething—50 sick days later, I was ready to break out the Tylenol.
4. The Infamous Call
The Infamous Call is something every parent dreads. When you see your daycare’s number pop up on your phone, you know it’s not good news. It’s typically about a stomach bug or your child needing stitches. I usually answer these calls with a resigned, “What now?”
5. The Bully
Every daycare has a bully. I’m not talking about typical toddler behavior; I mean the kid with a mischievous glint in their eye, always causing trouble—pushing, hitting, or snatching toys. Often, this child is also The Germ Magnet.
6. The Incident Report
Incident reports are a parent’s nightmare. They can result from your child being bullied or finally snapping and retaliating. You end up questioning whether your child needs to be more assertive or if they’ve been watching too many action movies. I once received an incident report stating that my daughter had hit another child in the face with a truck. Out of the blue. Can toddlers file lawsuits? Because I think she might have a case.
7. The It-Could-Be-Cheaper-to-Stay-Home Argument
Let’s clear this up right now: No, it’s not cheaper for me to stay home with my kids than to work and send them to daycare. While my income isn’t extravagant, daycare costs less than what I earn in a year. Additionally, staying home doesn’t cover necessities like insurance or retirement. Since my partner works as an elementary school teacher, it’s crucial for me to contribute financially.
8. The Guilt
Lastly, let’s talk about guilt. Like all mothers, daycare moms grapple with feelings of guilt. Is my child well enough to attend daycare today? Will the bully make them cry again? Is it really cheaper to stay home? Am I a bad mom for working when I could be home cooking Spam and cheese? The guilt can feel overwhelming, and some days, it’s more intense than others.
For more insights on parenting challenges, check out this post on 8 Enemies of the Daycare Mom.
In summary, while daycare provides invaluable socialization and learning opportunities for children, it comes with its own set of unique challenges for moms. From health concerns to emotional struggles, the journey is a rollercoaster, but sharing these experiences makes it a little easier.
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