SAHM's that send their child to daycare, do you feel guilty?

Question

I drop my daughter off at daycare on tuesdays (she goes for 5 hours) and she always seems so scared when we are walking up to the gate and she cries and says "I want mummy". She is always happy when I pick her up though... Do you feel guilty sending your child away even though you are at home?

Answer 1

Only once a week? Of course I would feel guilty, but it's only for 5 hours out of the WHOLE week (168 hours).

There's nothing wrong with having a sitter once a week, you need some alone time too, just like everyone else.

I would feel horrible if I had my child at daycare 5+ days a week being a SAHM, but once a week is fine. It'll give them a chance to socialize with others their own age.

Answer 2

Isn't the whole point of being a stay at home mom is being home with your kids?  My two oldest are in preschool now.  Otherwise no i do not pay for daycare when i am at home.  And yes i would feel guilty about it.  *Edit* Thats different if your studying for school then no i would not feel guilty theres nothing wrong with educating yourself.  I thought you were just dropping them off while you sat at home and did nothing.  People i know do that cause they do not want to deal with there kids.  That i do not agree with!

Answer 3

how old is your daughter?

why on earth are you taking her to daycare when youre a sahm?

Answer 4

i used to send my child to day care. you need your break too, come on moms work 24/7. there are no breaks. and big whop you may get to nap if she does. that hour or so does not change the fact that you still have to deal with your life, your partner, your home, your family, your bills, your every day to day things. come on we as women kick ***. and if we want a break to sleep, do what we want for 5 hours a week. i say you go girl. dont feel bad. plus for her, you are teaching her she will be going to school one day anyway and she can be eased into leaving you for school time it wont be so hard on her then. you are so normal and lots of women i know do it. if you feel bad you can contact me and we can talk about it, so dont let anyone tell you that you shouldnt. bless you for all you do

Answer 5

No I don't feel guilty. I have my kids everyday and do a d**n good job taking care of them. Mothers deserve a break and 5 hours once a week is not bad at all.

Answer 6

I'm a SAHM and my 3 y.o. goes to head start everyday until noon.  I drop her off at 8.  She eats breakfast there, and lunch.  I pick her up right after lunch.  It's 4 hours of pure bliss for her, according to her!  Since we go everyday, it's became a routine for her.

To answer your question about the guilt, yes, I do feel guitly from time, but mainly because of what other people have said on how they feel about it.  My husband and I don't feel that we're doing anything "wrong" and we know we're doing what we feel is best for our daughter. .   You just have to be easier on yourself.  

Answer 7

I AM A SAHM AND I TAKE MY 13 MONTH OLD TO DAY CARE 3 TIMES A WEEK SO I CAN GO TO PHYSICAL THERAPY. HE IS ONLY THERE FOR 2-3 HOURS BUT HE LOVES IT, IT GETS HIM OUT AND GETS TO SOCIALIZE WITH OTHER KIDS. PLUS I GET SOME TIME TO MYSELF. AND IF I JUST DROP HIM OFF AND GO HOME ITS GOOD CAUSE THEN I CAN GET SOME MUCH NEEDED STUFF DONE around the house or just plain take a shower! it is good for them to get to do it. they need the interaction now so as they get older they are use to it. don't feel bad its best for both of you. my son loves it and has no problem so i don't get the "i want mommy thing" but I'm sure if i did it would make me feel bad, but I'm sure once she is distracted she is off playing having a jolly time....hope this helps!!!

Answer 8

I guess I don't see the point of this, sorry. If you're fortunate enough to be a SAHM then why drop your child off at daycare, especially if you're just going to go right back home? I'd feel guilty about it, yes. I stay at home with my baby boy and couldn't imagine using daycare when I don't have to.

Answer 9

I hate taking my daughter to daycare when I have to, just because we are always together. She absolutely loves it and I know the interaction with other children and adults is great for her so I know its worse for me than it is for her. I wish I could send her a couple days a week but we can't afford to do that so she only goes when I have some place to go where I can't take her.  

Answer 10

I will answer this from the other point of view. I work at a daycare center as a director and we have stay at home moms as well as moms who work. They all have a bit of guilt but what is more important than your guilt is the benefit it is bringing to your child and family. Children need socialization and even though she wants to be with you I am sure she is probably fine and happy 3 minutes after you leave( that is if it is a quality daycare center). Guilt shouldn't stop you from letting her socialize, and you having some time to yourself. Even moms need a little time to themselves to regenerate and relax and guilt shouldn't stop other moms who want to work or need to work as well. As long as your child's daycare is a quality learning and care center you shouldn't worry about it.