Choosing the right childcare

Last updated: 02/06/2015 12:15 by LucyKennedyMummy to LucyKennedyMummy's Blog
Filed under: Mums Love Lucy
Other than family, no one will ever love our children as much as we do. It's impossible to comprehend because obviously our little darlings are beyond amazing, but while people might really, really, really like them and look after them properly, they don't love them in the same way that we do.
 
They can't – it’s just not possible when they're not theirs! And that’s the first very hard pill that must be swallowed by new mums putting their child into crèche/childcare for the first time. Not an easy decision at all…
 
I was very lucky. My older sister Anna sent her daughter to the crèche down the road from us, which I now use and swear by. I used to collect my little niece from there occasionally, so I got to know the staff at The Magic Roundabout in Glasthule very well. What I always liked about it was that it's a home from home.
 
When Jack was nine months and I went back to work, it was a no-brainier; he started there three mornings a week and then we extended it to five.  Our family love it. Jack spent three happy years there, when Holly was 18-months-old, she joined too. I can safely say, with my hand on my heart, that in the five years I have been a Magic Roundabout parent, I have never ever worried a single second about them going in. Why? Quite simply because I trust the staff. I trust them completely.
 
To be honest, I'm not a fan of these large, purpose built, modern crèches with lots of staff. Some friends of mine like them, but I much prefer a small, homely, family-run crèche where I can get to know the staff who have been there for years. These people really get to know the children because the classes are small and they also practise Montessori.
 
Trust is imperative when choosing childcare. I know that trust is something to build but we all have gut feelings about things, especially when you become a mum. If you get a good feeling, well it's usually right and when you get a bad feeling or something concerns you, then quite simply don't do it.
 
Going back to work or starting a job is hard enough as it is, so the last thing you need is to doubt your child's care. You need to know that you can get on with your job, safe in the knowledge that your child is being fed, changed, helped and looked after properly. I truly believe that 'Mum knows best' - you know your child and the environment that would suit them the best so follow your heart.
 
I also believe that small people need small people, even if it's only for a few hours a week. When Holly started creche, the difference in her in just one week was unbelievable. She became more confident, she started trying to talk, she made friends, she really, really loved it and settled in immediately. I, on the other hand, missed her terribly and thought of her all day, every day! Collecting her and Jack is still my favourite part of the day.
 
If you are going back to work soon and have started the tedious and very stressful crèche search, take your time deciding, ask friends, talk to the other parents who use it and don't be embarrassed about asking for a second walk around. It's imperative that you pick a place that’s right for your little one and will give you peace of mind. 
 
There will always be guilt of some sort when you're a mum. I think it’s just something that happens immediately after we give birth! But as I know now, my kids were and are absolutely fine, and they really love creche. They have no concept of the times or the days. They don't notice when we head off to work. Once they are happy and safe with people who genuinely care about them, then they're fine.
 
Us mums, on the other hand, just need to toughen up! We're damned if we do and were damned if we don't, but I do believe that the perfect balance can be found, you just have to work a little to find it! Good luck.
 
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