Help!!!! - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

abby1998 · 07-24-2008, 11:13 AM

A spot in daycare has just come up for my 16 month old son. I was going to go back to school, but I would also have to work part time in order to keep up with the bills. His dad works long hours and isnt really around much so my sons life would pretty much consist of other people raising him as I would only be around first thing in the morning and nights when he would already be asleep. I know that I need to try to get ahead in life with schooling but I'm not sure if sacrificing all time with my baby is worth it. My husband is in the process of completing college so its not like we are getting no where. I need some opinions on this please

LauraLu · 07-24-2008, 11:54 AM

To me, it sounds like a great opportunity to better yourself. If you keep telling yourself that you're going to go back to school, will you? It's very difficult, especially with a child.
How long would he be in daycare each day? Are there any days that you would be able to be with him? Have you done all the math (as far as bills/college/daycare is concerned)?
I always said that I never wanted to put my daughter in daycare, and I don't have to because my mom watches her. However, I also understand that not everyone has it that easy. You really do need to worry about yourself. Your son will respect you tremendously for taking a great pride in your own education. You know that it will pay off in the long run.
If I were you, I would say GO FOR IT!!! And good luck with school!

abby1998 · 07-24-2008, 01:21 PM

He would be in daycare from 7 30 - 4 00 monday to friday, then afterwards I would have to drop him off at a babysitters so that I can go to work probably 3-4 evenings a week. Child care will be mostly payed for by the governent.

On the weekends I will probably also have to work. SO i really wouldnt see him that much. I have been home with him from day one, and I know it will break my heart but I really think it will break his too. I am also worried that my busy stressfull schedual will take a toll on my ability to be a good parent....I just really want whats best for my son

LauraLu · 07-24-2008, 03:01 PM

You know what ~ then maybe you're just not ready, and there's nothing wrong with that! If you need extra time, take it. He'll never be this little again. I completely understand that you wouldn't want to be away from your son for so long - I couldn't do it either. Physically and emotionally it would get exhausting. I do have a lot of respect for you though as far as school is concerned. It's not easy to get through college when you don't have kids, and I'm getting ready for my masters soon with a 12 month old...It's one of those all time great dilemas.
What does your husband think about the situation?

abby1998 · 07-24-2008, 04:25 PM

Wow, congrats on going for your masters! I have alot of respect for you and anyone else who goes through school with a baby. I would be starting back in high school so my education path definately seems like a long one.

I really dont feel like me or my son are ready for such a drastic chaotic scehdual and seperation. Everybody is pushing me to do it, including my husband but I just dont think they truly understand the physical, emotional or mental toll it would take on us. Especially since we dont have a vehicle so I would be bussing around from daycare to school to daycare to babysitter to work to babysitter to home. I dont think my son would enjoy that every day! I think your right...maybe im just not ready right now.