How do daycare users do it?

Posted on 18. Oct, 2006 by Elizabeth Potts Weinstein in Life Balance

I now fully appreciate the #1 reason a nanny is superior to daycare. On Monday Gracie got a bunch of shots, including the fourth booster of her DTaP. Not fun for either of us — but it’s over in a few seconds, and after some cuddling and her paci, she recovered quickly. Or so I thought. As the day went on, Gracie became more and more tired — such that right before her bedtime, I found her curled up in the rocking chair with her two favorite dolls (Dora and a cabbage patch, both with silky hair). Very odd for a child who is typically running around the house screaming and chasing the cat, at the 10-minute-to-bedtime countdown. But, perhaps her nap was not long enough, and she had a busy day … That night I packed Gracie’s snacks and diaper bag for backup daycare — for October my regular nanny is still on maternity leave, and my summer nanny is back in school — so I am using the daycare available as a backup childcare solution through my husband’s law firm. Gracie enjoys going there — a great chance to play with new toys, new kids, and new adults. And, I can get some work done. But Tuesday morning Gracie woke up hot. And not hungry (a first!). Her temp was 99.7 underarm (which means almost 101 internal) — officially un-daycare-able. I tried to douse her with Motrin – but she was still obviously lethargic, and I am too honest to try to fool daycare. Made me so mad — it was just from the vaccine — but I could not put her in daycare becuase of her fever. On Tuesday, I had two new client appointments scheduled, a handbook to write, and a teleseminar class at noon. I hate canceling! I thought of calling a service for a nanny to watch Gracie while I have my appointments and teach my class. I was so angry — why is it that I am the one who has to cancel everything to take care of Gracie? Why is there no system to help me? It’s not fair that everyone else has family or friends or neighbors who can help out! (of course, I was the one who moved from Missouri to California …) But later that afternoon, Gracie woke up from her nap, early and feverish. I held her in my arms for the next hour while she slept. Sleeping, she was an infant again — all perfect, peaceful, and venerable. How long until she no longer wants to cuddle with mommy? My anger evaporated. Gracie is the most important thing to me — and if I have to reschedule client appointments, and record my class afterhours for download distribution — that’s fine. She’s not a sacrifice — she’s a joy! But I am glad that my regular nanny is starting Nov. 6th. A Nanny is double the cost than daycare, but infinitely more convenient.

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