On Dec 4, 3:24 pm, Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward
wrote:
I was all excited to get a spot at our neighbourhood daycare centre
for my 22-month old, who has been at home until now, but a naysayer
relative has made me wonder if I'm hurting my daughter more than doing
her good by putting her in daycare at this age, in winter, no less.

I know my daughter will benefit tremendously from being around other
children in a structured educational setting. She will be in a group
of 9 children, who are looked after by 2 teachers and one part-time
assistant.

I work full-time from home, and have a 9-month old here as well. He
will stay with me until he gets a spot at the daycare at 12 months.

The relative (whose neck I would love to wring right now) insists a
child should be kept at home until age 3.

I am doing this because I need to keep my job. Until now I had help
from my mother, but she leaves in a few days, after having been with
us for six months. Already a huge luxury!

What I'd love is to hear some positive stories, and if there's any
scientific backing to my relative's claims.

And what business is this of your relative's? Just what does
she/he think will happen if your child goes to day-care
before age 3?

Smile and tell the relative "Thank you for your concern but we
feel we are doing what is best for our family". You said that
you know your daughter will benefit so trust your instincts
as her mom and don't let anyone make you doubt yourself.

There is no one right way to bring up kids. I'm sure one can
find studies that show advantages and disadvantages to
children being cared for by a parent at home vs day care.
It sounds like you've found a good day-care setting so
just put that relative right out of your mind.

-- Zip