Starting Daycare
We got into daycare…woohoo!
I was so nervous about the competition of entering a daycare that it was a huge relief to learn that we were accepted to our first choice location.
But then…I found out that my baby is the only one in the age 0 class!
Other daycares did fill up their age 0 class (according to the availability updates on the ward webpage), so I was a little confused as to why our baby is the only one at this particular place. My assumption is that it has to do with the location - there are a few other daycares that are located centrally and next to a playground and restaurant complex, which makes it easier for parents to pick up their kids and have them play a bit while grabbing a snack before heading home. The location of the daycare I chose is hidden in a residential area so perhaps this is the reason.
Our daycare is full for ages 1 and above, so even though our baby is the only one in the age 0 class, I’m really glad we applied before she turned 1 since it’s even more competitive as she gets older.
Applying for Daycare
I may have mentioned this in a previous post, but to recap, in order to apply for daycare as a freelancer, I had to submit a stack full of documents including bank statements to prove I was receiving income, and contracts to prove that I had future income, as evidence that I need daycare support. It was a lot to put together, but I felt that all grounds were covered and I knew I had a strong enough case. I think what would have been challenging is if I was a freelancer who creates events or other revenue generating services that don’t require an advanced contract. Not having contracts for future work probably would have made it difficult to prove I needed daycare.
When I applied, I originally opted for a part time daycare schedule since I have flexibility with my work and since my baby is still so small that I don’t want to be apart for the full day just yet.
However, I found out that part time hours are from 9-17:00 and anytime she uses outside of those hours would be considered an extension. The challenge for me is that I have an irregular work schedule and most of the time I want to at least start working by 9, so the idea of having to pay an extension fee every time I drop her off before 9 sounded disappointing.
When I expressed my concerns to the ward - without any expectations other than to vent - the ward switched me to a full time status because of my irregular work hours which ultimately cover a full time period depending on the day. This was a relief that I wouldn’t be charged outside their regular full time hours, if at the same time it made me feel a bit guilty for not taking advantage of having her in daycare full time. But since she’s the only baby and I’m not taking another full time parent’s spot…I’m able to suppress some of that guilt.
Transitioning to a daycare schedule
It’s common for daycares to limit the amount of time a child is there for the first few weeks so that the child can get comfortable in their new environment.
In my case, that meant starting with 2 hours, 3 times per week.
I was surprised to hear from other moms that their daycares operated differently. Some only wanted the children there for 30-60 minutes every day to start!
I discovered that many working moms (well, parents I suppose - but mostly moms) who need to start work from April 1st may actually start a few weeks later so that they can transition their child to daycare. This means that the moms will miss the trainings that happen at the start of the fiscal year and then have to catch up and essentially be the “newbie amongst newbies” which I imagine is an awkward start.
Our new routine
Currently, with my baby now 9 months old, I decided to have her in daycare daily from 8:30-14:30. Im find this to be perfect for me to get coaching, writing, and training preparation done, and it leaves us some time in the afternoon to have quality time before my husband comes home.
On days when I have full day trainings scheduled, my husband will drop her off in the morning and I pick her up around 6/6:30 depending on when the training ends.
Im also finding it possible to go to a yoga class once a week. I have only done this twice so far but I can already foresee it being a good routine.
Impact on my mental health
The biggest difference in having daycare vs babysitting is that I feel a lot calmer. When I was using a baby sitter for the month of March (3 times a week for 4-5 hours at a time), I constantly felt rushed because I didn’t want to extend the time and pay more unnecessarily. I also felt guilty using a sitter for self care like getting a haircut, so it didn’t even cross my mind to do other forms of self care like exercise at a studio.
Also, I used to feel some resentment toward my husband because I have been the one to figure out the childcare due to his crazy work schedule, but now that there is space for more balance in my day, it takes off a lot of stress that comes with being the one to get up in the middle of the night with her, etc., and we are enjoying our time more together.