Decision as providor; own child other Childcare?

[Dreamalittledream]

I'm really torn. My son will be 3 this summer and so, will be starting school in the fall/Sept. 2013. I am debating whether to enroll him in a local daycare. The one I have in mind is a small center, with a 1:8 ratio for preschoolers and in such a setting would really set him up for school in terms of routine & socialization. He is already there in terms of school readiness in terms of knowledge but the fact that he's only been home with me (& the other daycare kids) or in church Sunday school has limited him socially. I keep thinking; being home with him & not having to pay out over 1/2 my salary on childcare was the primary reason I chose to stay home & open a home daycare; why on earth am I sending him out? Anyone else had to make this decision? If I send him only 2 to 3 days a week, am I totally messing him up (toddlers really do not like change)?

[michellesmunchkins]

Personally, I think its a great idea to send him. I did it with my own son who is now 6. I wanted him to interact with other adults who are the 'boss' and make sure he understood that he had to follow someone else's rules. He absolutely LOVED IT! He got to go to someone else's house and play with their toys. He loved the provider and she was fantastic to him. I think it was a great decision for my son. Yes, it was a pain to fork out the money when I was home, but for his socialization and just general skills it was well worth it. He totally loves school and is fantastic there with both the kids and adults. At home, not so much lol

[dodge__driver11]

Yeah ...I also did this....but too it was because my son had trouble sharing his house..and he also didn't like the idea of structure as he was the king pin.(or so he thought) Hard choice but he loves it and the two days a week that he is home he is a great great help!!!

He also loves to show the others what he has learned at preschool...its great!!

[Crayola kiddies]

I wrote a big post and it dissapeared so here's the short version .... Yes I did it for my first two and will do it again for my third starting in sept ... One morning a week for the fall and winter sessions and two mornings a week for the spring session and then he starts full day jk sept 2013. Never had a problem with disrupting schedules. Good luck

[Dreamalittledream]

I also should add that my own child tends to be my most challenging on average...so, it would be a nice break....wow, did I just say that out loud

[michellesmunchkins]

I also should add that my own child tends to be my most challenging on average...so, it would be a nice break....wow, did I just say that out loud

haha mine too! If he had been a dck I would have terminated him LOL Our own kids always give us a run for our money.

[Toregone]

I also should add that my own child tends to be my most challenging on average...so, it would be a nice break....wow, did I just say that out loud

wow... It's nice to hear someone else say this. I honestly thought it was just my kiddo. He's awesome for other caregivers but at home somedays he pushes all my buttons.

[Inspired by Reggio]

wow... It's nice to hear someone else say this. I honestly thought it was just my kiddo. He's awesome for other caregivers but at home somedays he pushes all my buttons.

Ladies I know dozens and dozens of providers who would share the same thing - thier own children were the most challenging ... children behave differently for thier own parents for various reasons from comfort to "try" strategies they would not try with someone else - most of which are they know you love then unconditionally and so they can

[Bookworm]

I currently send my 3 year old daughter twice a week to a daycare center down the street so she can play with kids her own age and to get away from me for a bit. Plus, I figure it will help her when she starts school next September.

[jazmic]

You could also consider sending him to a nursery school That's what I'm going to be doing with mine this fall. 2 mornings a week. They get them ready for school and it will be good for her to not be with me all the time.