by Sonya
The heartache that is childcare
My boys have been going to child care since they were 7 months olds. It wasn't because I wanted them to go but because we had no choice, unfortunatly the way society has evolved many of us don't have a choice but to have both parents at work part of the week. My boys go two days, the day care they go to meets Australian standards for a regular childcare, which means they have around 3 carers per 18 kids in Archie's group and per 12kids in Zac's room, although I trust in the day care staff and I can see the place is clean, stimulating and the children get looked after I can't help but feel my heartache every time I turn around and leave my children there.
Archie has pretty much cried every day I drop him off up until about a month ago. So yes it was 2 years of heartbreaking tears two days a week, morning and afternoon (he cried when I picked him up too) I would see him as I arrived in the afternoon just staring out the door waiting for me to arrive. It absolutly broke my heart dropping him off there, even with all the convincing that he was happy there and only cried when I dropped him off and picked him up. Now he actually does like it, well he seems happy to go, he asks about it and doesn't cry (most times) when we drop him off. However now that we are over that hurdle my little Zackie has started with the tears 
I'm convinced now that these little boys just want to be with their mummas at such an early age, it's unnatural for them to be away from us and I think it's unnatural for a mum to have to be apart from their sons. However I do think that a mother having some time to herself is crucial for a happy family - whether that time be spent at work or doing something she loves to do, it is really important she has time to herself. If I had my choice though until my boys were close to 3 years old I would have much preferred them to be in a family care situation - with a small group of children, or with a relative or friend for those days I had to work, it seems more natural and less intimidating for them.
What are your views on boys in childcare?
