Many of us as single parents are forced to put our children in daycare at one time or another. Now that you only have one income the pressure to provide can be overwhelming. As much as you hate being away from your children, there often is no other option. Trusting someone else to care for your children while you are away can be a challenge for many single parents. You want to make sure they are well cared for, but you also don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for someone to do it. Naturally daycare can be very expensive; this is why it is important to do some research before making your decision.
Be sure to visit the daycare center in person so that you can see the way things are run. Are the children engaged in idle play or are the educational opportunities provided for them? Is the facility clean and well maintained? Are the other children happy and enjoying themselves? Are the teachers cheerful and loving? These are all things you need to take into consideration as you are exploring which daycare is the best fit for you and your child.
Trust your instincts. If you have any concerns about the daycare center, keep looking. You are trusting them with your most precious possession; don’t settle for anything less than the best. Don’t be afraid to be picky. Your child deserves the best quality care available, and it is your job to find it. If you try one daycare and it doesn’t work out, look for another one that is a better fit. Take your time. If you have to be away from your child, you at least want the peace of mind that they are being well taken care of by someone you both trust.