The following is a conversation between some of my mom blogger friends and I discussing how we prepare for new childcare.

How do you help your child(ren) feel comfortable with a new sitter, daycare, or childcare provider? What are some things you can do to make the transition easier for your child(ren)?

Ghada: I’ve changed daycare with my nearly 5 year old 3 times now and each time it gets a little easier as he gets a little older. But the one thing that I have found to work best is if you can slowly transition your kids in. On the first day go with them for an hour, then the second day go for an hour and then leave them for an hour etc…See what works best for you. Of course, I found I only needed to do this when he was 2 and 3. His first daycare experience when he was 1, I thought he’d never settle – some days he cried, some days he didn’t but it gets better, even if it is only slowly.When he switched to a new place when he was 4, I stayed for 15 minutes and then left. The first 3 days or so, he was a bit standoffish from the others and had a little cry, but with age his coping mechanisms have gotten better and he adjusts quicker. I’m a bit queasy thinking about him starting kindergarten in a couple of weeks but I know it will be fine.

Also, make sure to ask the teachers for their help or thoughts on what you should be doing (like not sneaking away, always make sure to say ‘bye’ and tell them you’ll be back for them soon). Teachers are your beast allies.

Ashley: My son is 16 months and headed to day care for the first time this week! He’s always been watched by a relative, nanny, or SAHM. I look forward to reading what the other moms have to say about this topic. We visited last week and I let him play there for a bit while I chatted with the provider.

[Read more…]

The following is a conversation between some of my mom blogger friends and I discussing on how we are or plan to chronicle our little one’s childhood.

Creating a baby book – how are you chronicling their childhood? Do your children have a baby book?

Ashley: I totally planned on doing one! I had one growing up and it was to take it out and look at it every so often. However, I’ve been horrible about putting anything together. Luckily for my son’s first birthday, my sister (who knows me too well) gave us a baby book she had started for him since she know I hadn’t gotten around to it. I’m so glad she did! However, I’ve been bad about updating it :(

Emily: I’m horrible about this, too. I purchased something that was called “All About Me” – it was the size of a recipe card box and contained index cards that you were supposed to fill out for various milestones. I’m embarrassed to say that I never used it. All of my son’s milestones are written in my planner. I recently discovered Project Life, and plan to make one for his first three years. I hope to stay more on top of it going forward.

I also have a letter sized tote box that contains folders with all of the art projects that we do. That makes me feel a little better about slacking in the “baby book” department.

[Read more…]

The following is a conversation between some of my mom blogger friends and I discussing your child’s first night away.

Leaving your child overnight for the first time. How old was your little one? What was the experience like for you – and for your child?

Ashley: The first time I left my son overnight was with my parents, and he was around 14 weeks I think. I’m a single mom and was very sick. I didn’t want him to catch any of my germs, so he stayed with my parents. He did wonderful and if there is anyone I trust most with him, it is my parents. I think it was harder on me than him!

Gena: I didn’t leave my firstborn with anyone overnight until he was 2, when his little brother was born. He was such a horrible sleeper and didn’t sleep through the night until 18 months, and then after that, he’d wake up at 6:30 and want to come to our bed, so I didn’t want to do that to anyone else. When his brother was born, he stayed (in his own bed) for two nights with my parents and did just fine. It’s getting easier to leave him overnight, even though he’s still a horrible sleeper!

Emily: The Boy was 14 months old when we left him overnight with my mother for the first time. The Texan and I went out to celebrate my birthday and my mom offered her services. Of course, he was the perfect house guest, and was still asleep when I arrived at 7:30 the following morning because I missed him!

Lena: My daughter spent many weekends at her grandparents’ house once she turned 9 months or so. I had no idea how easy I had it! neither of my kids have separation anxiety, but I don’t see anyone standing in ie to take them overnight. (LOL). I was totally fine with it – felt like back in college: PAR-TAY (not really – just cleaned the house and relaxed a little)

Ashley: My son doesn’t seem to have separation anxiety either when it comes to sleeping at my parents house. Though it is probably because he knows them so well! It is nice having a night to myself where I do not have to worry about how much to pay the babysitter or if I have to be home by a certain time. However, usually the whole time I’m out I am missing the little man! :)

Thank you for your valuable input Ashley of Maryland Momma’s Rambles & Reviews, Gena of Life With Captain, Emily of Nap Time is My Time, Lena of Way2Goodlife.