Lessons From Day Care

It was my little man’s first day at Day Care today and I had Mummy guilt big time! It was heart wrenching when I had to leave him. It was even worse when my older son got upset and wanted to go back for his brother.

All day I was worried sick about him – was he wondering where I was? Why I abandoned him? When I was coming back – if I was coming back?! I don’t remember it being this hard with my first son.

I waited as long as I could before ringing to check up on my poor abandoned child. His day care mum told me that he cried when it came time to go to sleep. I wished I was there to sing his favourite song and kiss him goodnight. I resisted the urge to put down the phone and go and pick him up immediately.

While it is damn hard some days, I have really enjoyed being a Stay At Home Mum. Mr 1 is my shopping companion; my coffee date; my little ‘bubba wubba’. 

But there comes a time when bills need to be paid and Mumma needs to help bring home some bacon. I just need to keep reminding myself that day care is good for him. And squash that little mummy guilt voice that is telling me otherwise.

When it was finally time to pick him up from daycare, the little rascal was having so much fun that he didn’t want to leave. And when we got home, I actually played outside with my boys. I didn’t spend this time getting dinner ready or bringing the washing in. I played Ring a ring a rosey on the trampoline instead and we all collapsed in fits of laughter.

So, while it broke my heart to send my son to Day Care, it has made me appreciate just how precious my time with my boys is and for that I am grateful.

Leanne :)

What lessons have you learnt the hard way?