Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

How do you leave your child in another's care?

28 replies

Sarochenka · 09/08/2011 13:17

My baby is eight months old. I would like to go back to work in a few months and yet the idea of a stranger- or anyone else but my husband, really- looking after her or even holding her makes my eye start twitching. How do you mentally start to accept the idea that other people probably aren't going to harm your little one?

I'd love her to go to kindy and school and play on bikes in the park with her little mates later on but now know it'll be terrifying. I didn't expect to feel this way before she was born. But afterwards, it took me weeks to go out with her in the pram, as I was terrified others were going to try to steal her, she was so beautiful. Yes, total nutjob, I know.

Also, would you let your child go to a nursery where there was a male careworker? You hear so many horror stories.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Danthe4th · 09/08/2011 13:34

You need to think about having a nanny who will work with you in your home, then when you feel ready have a look at childminders in your area. You don't sound ready to try a nursery.
Some of the best staff I have met in a nursery and a local playgroup have been men, they have so much to offer, please don't rule them out.
You need to visit what is on offer in your area and see what you think.

BranchingOut · 09/08/2011 13:28

Well, its all about trust.

Once you find a carer you can really depend upon then everything does become so much easier.

You mention 'kindy', but I don't think it sounds as if a nursery setting is for you at the moment. There is always the option for her to go later. My toddler son is starting nursery now at nearly 2. Up till now he has always been cared for at home by an ad-hoc nanny, whom we just paid by the hour.

Why not look into a nanny, nanny share or a childminder?

The key thing is personal recommendation. Begin asking around and see if somebody has a nanny or childcarer who wants to do extra work. If you get somebody lined up now then it is so much easier to then think about going back to work.

The list of things I worried about relating to my son would probably stretch half way down the page - and I still worry about some of them! But time rolls on and as they get older you begin to worry less.

StillSquiffy · 09/08/2011 13:27

Your last sentance has alienated me and will probably alienate everyone else on this thread.

Next time you post try not to be so bigotted.