Quote:
Originally Posted by macker
I would avoid daycare/dayhome scenerios if possible. I realize this may not be possible but you may be able to cut expenses etc. to make it work as many people go back to work and end up paying 40-60% of their take home pay on daycare/dayhome anyways so it doesn't really make sense. Your childs early years are priceless and pass way to quick so be there for as many of these moments as you can. You are the best person to raise your child so see if you and your wife can align your schedules so that you are there for him/her. Passing your child from place to place sends an early message to your child and the most important thing you have to offer your child is your time. People always grumble about the cost of daycare/dayhomes etc. without even taking a moment to factor in the true cost. It is greater than most people want to acknowledge imo. Structure your life to make it work.
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I used to think like that and my wife stayed home for 2.5 years with our first and one year with our second, but we actually changed our thoughts on it. She now works 3-4 days/week and the kids are in daycare the days she works. I think it's abnormal for a child (compared to how human beings have historically been raised) to be raised by just one person - I think a more communal way of raising young kids does them more good than harm if they're in the right environment.
Plus not everybody enjoys looking after small kids (say under five). I mean if you like it, great, but we would find it a little boring if we didn't have the challenges and external stimulation that work provides.
Our plan is to actually increase the time we spend with our kids as they get older - I think pre-teens and teens need their parents more than little kids in a lot of ways whereas pretty much anybody can teach tots how not to hit, how to wash their hands, and all the other little basic things they need to know.
BTW, what message is it you think you're sending your kids by putting them in daycare?