Maternity leave

[Dawn2Dusk]

Hello Ladies,

I opened my dayhome last August so I am fairly new to things. I have a two year old son of my own plus 5 full time day home children and one child that comes the occasional evening. I am starting to think I would like to have another child and I would like to know what happened when you guys did.

I was thinking I could work up until giving birth then the kids (whoever wants to stay) which I anticipate to be at least 3 could go to a temperary dayhome for 3 months giving me 3 months break.

I would love to get all your opinion on is this would even be possible and what you think

I live in Alberta and 3 months maternity leave is not long at all. However I am not to worried as I would be wearing the baby and breastfeeding. Non of my kids are so young they need constant attention so I feel it is possible. Plus I could start with a smaller amount of children and as the new child gets older take on more.

I am not pregnant yet or even trying but would like to start trying soon but would like to figure things out wih the dayhome first so I know what to expect money wise.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

As parent, if I had to move my child for three months, I would move permanently. Three month not long for mat leave but massive amount time for child. After that long, my child would be settled and I would not want move back, even if to great carer.

Lot carer's here close 4 weeks and still lose client. One lady re-open in September, two children of own and only one client child. She have lot interest but people concerned her baby take most attention.

[Van]

it is good to know the facts and then you can plan ahead so I say - Save now until you do get preg. and be prepared to lose kids if you plan on taking 3 months off

[Lee-Bee]

I would think it highly unlikely that I would find 3 months temporary care for my child(ren) then go back to the original daycare. Perhaps for 1 months time where we would use our holidays and try to have family help out but beyond that I would be looking for a new daycare.

Not only is 3 months a long time, long enough to settle in with a new caregiver. But, I would think many families would struggle to find care in a daycare home that is for only 3 months. I don't think many daycares would be willing to take in children knowing they will leave in 3 months.

I would plan for the possibility that you lose all families. SO be prepared to have some savings and to be looking for new families when you resume care.