2nd child and mat leaves

[SillyGirl_C]

I am actually scheduled to start maternity leave next month and have decided to keep my eldest in daycare. My reasons are that a) I need the sleep and bonding time with the new baby, b) I can afford it c) I know from research that keeping kid 1 in a consistent routine will help her adjust to having a sibling and d) quite frankly, she LOVES daycare and would be less challenged at home all day. That said, I am curious why Kindertime as a DC provider, has this as a pet peeve? Not judging, just curious as I though my DCP would love that they don't need to source a replacement for my daughters spot.

[Lee-Bee]

I believe often the best thing you can do with a young child that is in daycare is to leave them in daycare (at least part time) when a new sibling is born. It provides consistency and stimulation...which they aren't likely to receive at home when sleep deprived mom tends to a new born. For many month home will be all about keeping up with baby care. It is so easy for a toddler to get under stimulated and to develop behavior issues as they struggle to get attention and socialize while home with sleep deprived mom and infant.

It is hard on daycare providers, for sure, as their income may change with little notice but I wouldn't find it unusual at all for a parent to want to keep their daycare space and I would never assume that just because they are expecting another child that they plan to give up the daycare space of their older child.

[kindertime]

I am curious why Kindertime as a DC provider, has this as a pet peeve? Not judging, just curious as I though my DCP would love that they don't need to source a replacement for my daughters spot.

I don't look at it in terms of replacement spots. You know... I tried to write this out a bunch of times, to put it in rational terms but it wasn't working because I guess for me it is entirely personal. I do daycare because I love working with kids. I really can't imagine doing anything else. I don't have any of my own and I'm never going to. So what I don't understand is when people have children, why not spend as much time with them as possible?