I have a dilemma.  I have Tom enrolled to start at the new preschool thats opening around the corner.  He is down to start at the beginning of Feb. But I dont really know my motivation for enrolling him.

He went to preschool before we moved but I was working and he was only in for 2 half days.  he loved it.  I guess I kinda assumed I would just find him one here.  But I wont be working and I am a little afraid that he might feel pushed aside with bubs arriving in Jan.

We just went for a look around and he happily played with all the toys.  They couldnt give me all the details yet except that they have 18 under 2s enrolled and are looking at ratios of 1:5 for the unders.  I only met one of the teachers and she is there for a few months until another centre opens in Oamaru.  she was nice...but very young.

Why should I put him in?  I was going to cancel our booking as I thought the only reason I really wanted him in was because it is nearly impossible to get a place at a daycare in Cromwell until they are nearly 3.  But I dont feel thats a good enough reason.  I am not going to be working so why cant he stay home. 

Then a few of my coffee group friends said that they would definately keep him in as I am going to need the time out with a new baby. 

Help!!!! I would love to hear some opinions, experiences etc.

Also...who knows how the child care subsidy works?

sno0ze wrote: I think going a couple days a week, even for half days is really good especially with the social interaction with the other children his age. My DD has been in daycare for a while and loves it there !! Plus gives you a break with the new baby - I would get him in early though before baby arrives so he is settled in and doesn't feel left out when baby arrives

I'd be happier doing that but unfortunately it doesnt open till 5 Jan and this baby is due 14 Jan so I dont want any committments around the 5th.  I have Tom booked to start early Feb.  When I asked advice from the manager on how kids cope with a new sibling etc she didnt seem able to answer...just thought I should start him 5 Jan.  I dont want to be paying for days he's not there because we are in turmoil with a new baby.

Thanks Glow, I wanted to here opinions from both sides and I think I am leaning a bit towards your thinking.  But at the same time trying to be realistic about what I can and cant cope with.  I also had the thought that the money would be better spent on a cleaner so I didnt have that to worry about. 

There are plenty of activities here that Tom goes to and I would want to keep them  up.  That keeps us busy 3-4 mornings a week.  I'm thinking that to put daycare in I would have to drop something or have an overcommitted boy.

Basically my gut tells me to drop it but EVERYONE has told me I'm nuts to even consider that.  The only advantage for Tom would be different stimulation and messy play (but I just need to get over myself and let him make a mess here).  Otherwise the advantages are all for me.

I'd love to hear what others who didnt use daycare think too.

Unfortunately I have to have him in for a minimum of 2 6hour days and thats the bit we are really not keen on.  Of course I can pick him up earlier but I still pay $35 per day.  $70 a week is a bit when you arent working.....think how much cleaning could be done for $70

They are having their official open day on 23rd so I am making hubby come with me for his opinion.  I cant believe I am having so much trouble with this decision.  As a result I think I mustnt want it deep down.

I think I would miss him.

I see your point Nikki, and if that was my situation I don't think I'd put Tom into daycare,  moreso though in my view because of his age, and how long he'll be there. 

When Gia was 7 weeks, I put Rico into a private kindy for one morning a week - 3 hrs.  He was 2 yrs 4 mths though, and those 3 hrs was enough of a break for me, and him.  Because at that age (and Tom's) he was still having afternoon sleeps, that was my time-out. 

I would rather use that money on a cleaner, and when the cleaner is there you can spend time with Tom, either at the park, or doing other fun activities that daycare would otherwise do.

And I say, that if *you* don't feel right about putting him in DC, then don't let anyone tell you your nuts not to put him in.  He's your child and first-born, and wouldn't even be 2 yrs when he started.  If he was 3 or 4 then I can understand it a bit more as they do need that kindy time (IMO).

Thats right Clyde is our closest.  AT the moment I think we are ok.  On Tuesday is Rhthym and Dance (like mainly music) and Thursdays are coffee group.  Fridays there is a community playgroup and Wednesdays will be swimming.  I think that is more than enough things to do.

$70 for a cleaner.......hmmmm, I think $30 for a cleaner and $40 for me!!!  pedicures, massages etc.....sounds better doesnt it.  Do you think the govt still pays childcare subsidy if I use it like that