First Day of Daycare
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
Today, for me, is bittersweet. I realize that in order to be a great single mom, I need help. I can’t be with my son 24/7 - especially if I want to start dating again - and I need time to write/work, recharge and just be Bonny. Not that being Mommy isn’t now a part of who I am. It is. But there are definitely times that I miss the old me, too.
So I registered my son in a daycare down the street from my house. It’s as perfect as perfect could be really. The lady who runs the daycare has done so for over 18 years. She has four grown children of her own. Her daycare is in her own home, registered, licensed, and affordable. The kids in her care seem happy and well-adjusted, and she seems to really connect with the little ones under her roof.
So when my baby started whimpering (he was scared; it was a lot for him to take in, understandably) I almost burst into tears myself. I realized just how connected the two of us are at that moment, and just how much time we spend together. “Oh, he obviously loves his mama!” anyone who sees us together says - and I agree. But in order to love him to the fullest of my abilities, I have to take time for myself, too.
Today was that day. I’m pretty sure it was harder for me than it was for him, although I won’t know for sure until I pick him up in about an hour.
How have you felt about childcare for your little ones? Do you use a daycare, babysitter, friend, ex or family member? Do your childcare needs differ depending on what you are doing (i.e. work or going out on a date)?
