Part-Time Preschool

[watercolor]

I may get flamed for this, based on other posts on childcare that have shown up in this forum - but the childcare I currently have is a live-in nanny - and, while she is a large part of the reason that my son is doing so well with pre-school type stuff, because she is just at home with our three kids (3yo son & twinfant daughters), she can't give him the type of interaction that he wants and craves from a preschool-type setting. AND I have to pay her the same amount whether my son is in preschool or not, so it's not a matter of finding him a different kind of a daycare setting. Also, shuttling him around isn't an issue - the nanny will do that - just getting him out into situations with other kids. I think we've decided on Little Sonbeams - fingers crossed that he likes it!

Why would you get flammed for something like that. I think that is a awesome idea, and this is coming from a person who is a nanny. I think it is very important that children get interaction with other children that they do not live with. I nanny for 3 kids, plus am able to bring my daughter with me, and while I have a pretty structured day- the oldest and the 2.5 year old attend prek- (well the 2.5 y/o goes to an enrichment program on thursdays)..and I really think its great that they get out around different personalities and get to play with other people than their own siblings during the week!

 

[Dymphna]

I may get flamed for this, based on other posts on childcare that have shown up in this forum - but the childcare I currently have is a live-in nanny - and, while she is a large part of the reason that my son is doing so well with pre-school type stuff, because she is just at home with our three kids (3yo son & twinfant daughters), she can't give him the type of interaction that he wants and craves from a preschool-type setting. AND I have to pay her the same amount whether my son is in preschool or not, so it's not a matter of finding him a different kind of a daycare setting. Also, shuttling him around isn't an issue - the nanny will do that - just getting him out into situations with other kids. I think we've decided on Little Sonbeams - fingers crossed that he likes it!

No reason for anyone to flame you. Each family situation is different and what works best is going to be different. Having infant twins limits your options quite a bit. If you like your nanny and she works with the kids and engages them in activities of all sorts, instead of plopping them in front of the TV, or worse, plopping herself in front of the TV while leaving them to their own devices (I'm basing this on the experience of a close friend, I'm not dissing nannies in general), that's great.

If what you have available to you for pre-school is church based, go around and meet with the people who run the programs. Most aren't too preachy about religion. Afterall, how much indoctrinating can they do without the parents backing them up?

 

[mrweb]

What area are you looking?

In Lusby, Middleham was great for both of my kids. Some religion, but definitely not overboard. For threes it's mostly learning how to interact with other kids and other behavior.

The threes go for two days per week, and the fours go three days.

Middleham is very good and the staff is the best, and no, they don't go overboard on the religion, not the Episcopalian style.

 

[foxxynhounds]

Why would you get flammed for something like that. I think that is a awesome idea, and this is coming from a person who is a nanny. I think it is very important that children get interaction with other children that they do not live with. I nanny for 3 kids, plus am able to bring my daughter with me, and while I have a pretty structured day- the oldest and the 2.5 year old attend prek- (well the 2.5 y/o goes to an enrichment program on thursdays)..and I really think its great that they get out around different personalities and get to play with other people than their own siblings during the week!

It seems like many of the people on this forum advocate not having kids unless you can afford to stay home with them (has come up in MANY other childcare threads before), so I'm half-expecting someone to tell me that, instead of working, paying my nanny and sending my son to preschool, I should be at home with all 3 kids. That's all. Our situation works out great for us - our nanny is great, the kids love her, she even takes the oldest one home with her occasionally when she goes back to visit - so I couldn't be happier. I just don't want anyone to criticize me for having a nanny in the first place!

 

[bcp]

It seems like many of the people on this forum advocate not having kids unless you can afford to stay home with them (has come up in MANY other childcare threads before), so I'm half-expecting someone to tell me that, instead of working, paying my nanny and sending my son to preschool, I should be at home with all 3 kids. That's all. Our situation works out great for us - our nanny is great, the kids love her, she even takes the oldest one home with her occasionally when she goes back to visit - so I couldn't be happier. I just don't want anyone to criticize me for having a nanny in the first place!

snob

 

[foxxynhounds]

Thanks, BCP! I knew it was coming...

 

[Dymphna]

Whenever someone criticizes you, think about what they aren't saying. Many of those who claim to be wonderful stay at home parents are living barely above poverty or are on welfare. Or maybe their little hellion children are running around the neighborhood causing trouble. Or maybe their little darlings are tied to their apron strings and can't take two steps without holding Mommy's hand and they are 18 years old.

I've met some forumites and/or their children. I've seen other posts over the years about issues they've had with their kids. Most of those who deal in absolutes (ie. you MUST stay home to be a good parent, Daycare centers are all evil, etc.) are the ones who need to open their eyes to their own faults as parents.

The fact is, every child is different and thrives a different atmosphere. Every parent has different strengths and abilities that they bring to parenting. What works for one person doesn't work for another. The best a person can offer in way of advice is, "this worked for me, you might try it."

 

[foxxynhounds]

Thanks Dymphna! The only absolute I have is that I must NOT stay home to be a good parent. My husband could probably do it, but we still need his salary. I love my kids with all that I have and would do ANYTHING for them - which I why I pay a very qualified and loving individual to take care of them during the day! I'm so accustomed to getting awful looks when I say something like that, and I wholly admire parents who can stay home and do it WELL, but that's not me, as much as I might wish it was. I would be doing my kids a HUGE disservice if I were to even try. Maybe that means I shouldn't have had kids to some forumites...but my kids ARE very loved and well adjusted and are being raised right (in my opinion). So...hmpf...off my high horse for now!

 

[watercolor]

It seems like many of the people on this forum advocate not having kids unless you can afford to stay home with them (has come up in MANY other childcare threads before), so I'm half-expecting someone to tell me that, instead of working, paying my nanny and sending my son to preschool, I should be at home with all 3 kids. That's all. Our situation works out great for us - our nanny is great, the kids love her, she even takes the oldest one home with her occasionally when she goes back to visit - so I couldn't be happier. I just don't want anyone to criticize me for having a nanny in the first place!

That is awesome that your nanny is that way! What a blessing! And dont invest to much time in the Flamming and crap. Dont worry about it. Take this from someone who use to take it seriously.