Quote Originally Posted by treeholm View Post
Of course, I also think it is very strange that someone on maternity leave would send an older child to daycare as well. Could be a generation thing since I'm a grandma, but I never heard of such a thing until recently. I would have felt incredibly guilty sending my child somewhere if I were home.
. I had the fortune to time the birth of my second just as my oldest started school. It was nice to get a nap in in the afternoon when I was often up in the night with the little one. I currently have 2 part timers whose moms are on mat leave sharing a full-time spot (kind of nice because I get to see the little babies/siblings regularly too that will be starting with me as well when the time comes). I think by keeping their kids in daycare while on Mat leave it keeps their space, keeps the child in the routine, makes for a happier, more stimulated, social child, makes the adjustment to a new sibling a little easier (things are new at home, but same old at daycare...we all know how toddlers can resist change). I personally just don't know how families afford it. I remember things being pretty tight when I was on Mat. Leave!