Trever's doctor is kinda pushing me to put him in a daycare his ST also thinks it will help him. He is not talking only saying Momma or Dadda, they also feel it will help his laungage skills. He plays with babies his age and even shares his toys with them, I am really torn about this decision. My doctor really supports stay-at-home moms and does not believe in daycare. Do you have your children in daycare or preschool? this is really hard I am alittle selfish with my children, I want them to myself and I don't want to share them. Any imput would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

Connie,

I considered putting Kaitlyn (now 20 months) in daycare when I went back to work, for basically the same reason. I thought that if she was around other babies her own age then it might prompt her to do the things that she hadn't accomplished yet (i.e. walking, talking, etc.) I chose instead to have someone come into my home and haven't regretted it since. There are still times that I wonder if she wouldn't be further along than she is, but I also know that in 16 months she will be in school and we can work on the problems then. You might want to consider putting him in for only one day a week, but I would go with your gut instinct -- what you think is best for Trever.

Hi Connie! There are valid points both ways, for homecare or daycare. In my case w/the boys and their prematurity, the first 16 mos. of their life was spent in virutal "isolation". They didn't go anywhere, church, mall, grocery store. Dr's office was it. When they were about 21 mos. old, I investigated Mother's Day Out Programs at several of the churches in my town. Putting then in a MDO program was the best thing I ever did! They loved it so much and it gave them wonderful social interaction with their peers. They truly did learn a lot from being around other children. The good thing about a MDO program is that it's usually about 5-6 hrs a day, two days a week. Very affordable. The program the boys were in was $9.00/day/kid. Can't get a babysitter for that amount! Plus, since I was no longer able to work at home and had to start going into the office, it was a good transition to full time daycare. About 3 mos. after they started daycare, they started school (cuz they turned 3) so it was a good "transitioning" experience all around.
I think it just comes down to you trying to do what's best for your child. Weigh the pros and cons of each and then do what's best. A good daycare can be a great experience. Sam and Patrick have grown so much and really enjoy their friends. I really reasearched all the daycares in town, and interviewed, observed classes and teachers etc. and found the one that I thought was best for the boys. I'm really happy with my decision and feel it's one of the best things for them.
Good Luck!