Losing My First Daycare Child

[ttremble88]

Well, it is official. I am soon going to lose my first daycare child. To make matters worse, it is one of my two full timers. Luckily, I have 100 part timers. No, not really, but if feels like that with the number of different faces I see on a weekly basis.

Anyhow, this is the dcb whos father passed away unexpectedly on his first day of daycare in January. He stays home for a month and a half and then rejoined us. It sucks because he is just settling into routine and has become a pleasant little guy to have around. But I understand the mothers decision to move.

The thing is, I don't know when to start advertising for the spot. She told me that she will keep me updated but she does not know when she is moving yet. On top of that, my C-section is scheduled for April 24th (yay!) and I will be taking 2 weeks off to recover. Plus, I just took on a special needs boy whom requires a lot of extra attention, so I don't want to transition a new baby just yet, with my baby coming soon.

Oh, decisions. The joys of the job right ladies?!

[mickyc]

you are only taking 2 weeks off after your C-section! OMG you are one strong woman! I would not advertise at all until you are given your official notice. Also if you could wait I wouldn't add a new child to the mix until after you have your baby and even then I can't believe you are continuing daycare so soon LOL. I guess I just had a horrible first few months after my daughter was born I can't imagine looking after other children especially not my own.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I'm sorry that you are loosing a dck. It is tough as we get so attached to them! I cried (ok bawled lol) when I lost my first ft child. He had been with me since he was 8 months old and left when he was 2 and he and my SO were very close as well. I cried for a few other dck's and did a happy dance for a few others lol

I agree with mickyc...if you can, I would wait until after you have your own baby and get back into the swing of things. Good luck with it all!!

[ttremble88]

My first 2 were C-sections and I bounced back pretty quick, so I am definalty keeping fingers crossed for the same this time around. My main concern is lifting certain children into highchairs and playpens.

I think that I am leaning towards what you ladies are suggesting and waiting until a little bit to get my new monster settled before I take on a new child. Unless I found a slightly older, self-efficient child, I may consider them as well. On one hand it would be nice to have a calmer day with the newborn, on the other hand, he was 1 of 2 full timers, so it does hit the bank.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Do you have booster seats that those in highchairs could use for now on the floor? Or is bending worse?

[Artsand crafts]

When I was sick and couldn't lift the kids, I set booster seats in the floor. I had 3 of them around 14to 15mo and I laid them down in cots instead of play pens. I told the parents about it and they were very understanding.

For my C-section I needed more like 6 weeks to feel well. You healed very fast! That's great! I am also pregnant and closing for 2 weeks too, but I will have someone taking over all daycare activities after that for a few months. I will only be supervising.

[ttremble88]

I think lifting is way worse after a C-section. We are told that we are not allowed to lift anything heavier then the newborn. Bending IS painful, but doable, it just takes awhile to get there...lol

I like the idea of picnic style lunches. I am just concerned about 1 little guy. But for sleeping, there is very little chance cots/sleep mats will be successful. I think that I would rather suck up the few minutes of pain, and put everyone down then have the constant battle of 'staying down for nap'.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I would use a step stool to put each child in their playpen. They can stand on the stool so you aren't lifting as high? Does your husband come home for lunch, if so could he put them into bed for you?

[ttremble88]

I would use a step stool to put each child in their playpen. They can stand on the stool so you aren't lifting as high? Does your husband come home for lunch, if so could he put them into bed for you?

The step stool was my plan!! Great minds think alike :P

But yes, I think that it should help instead of dead lifting them from the ground. As for hubby, that is a no go, he is over an hour commute, so no seeing him until the majority of the kiddies are gone home.

[5 Little Monkeys]

You could even use a two step stool so they are even higher! Good luck

(and if you ever have friends or family over visiting you, make them lift! lol)