I'm a pretty happy full time mum and I would like to leave my 9 month old son in a creche a couple of times a week. I left him twice a couple of weeks ago and he cried some of the time and played okay some of the time, and then he was poorly and he didn't go for a week or so. I took him again this week and as soon as we went into the room he became hysterically upset, screaming and crying, and if I put him down he got even more upset, reaching his arms out to me. I was shocked and upset by his reaction and obviously couldn't leave him.
(By the way, I don't think for a second that the carers at the creche would've hurt him in any way. It has a very good reputation etc and some of the children are there several whole days a week.)
I stayed with him for an hour and by the end of that time he sat on one of the carers laps for a few minutes without crying. Yesterday he seemed a little calmer, but if I sat on the sofa a few feet away he got upset and cried, although he did play for a short time without me right by him at the end of the session.
Am I wasting my time taking him - will he ever get used to it or even enjoy it? They have some lovely toys and I had hoped that he would enjoy seeing other children and that it would be good for him to have time away from me occasionally. Am I being selfish leaving him? I would love to have a bit of time for myself without having to rely on family. A swim or a haircut would be nice! I also feel that I should have some options in case I was ill or something. Should I just leave him, and let the staff take care of the tears or will this just traumatise him for life?! Is the gradual approach better?
Thanks!
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Behaviour/development
should I leave my baby in the creche?
9 replies
vivie · 22/08/2003 09:47
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