Child care and play school

Before long you will have to think of playschool

Even before the baby arrives you’re going to need to consider child care. No doubt you’ll already be thinking about finding a decent school for your treasure to get an optimal learning experience. Both are important even at this early stage.

But, before you run off to put them down on a waiting list of the most sought after school in the area, there’s a bit of homework to be done. First of all you need to assess your resources, finances and situation. If mother is planning to go back to work after a few months you’ll be needing a nanny. Others opt to take a six month extended leave by which time the baby is old enough to cope comfortably with a minder and later a child care centre.

For the first few months you’ll be tied up caring for the baby yourselves and the little tyke can certainly create an enormous amount of work. A little help is always welcome and if you have the benefit of a mother-in-law, sister, older child or relative to assist, you’ll find life much easier.

Mum goes back to work

Sooner or later you’ll want to reclaim your life. You have to decide which is financially and socially better; sending your partner back to her job at the expense of the baby, or opting to keep her at home for longer but without the financial assistance of a second income. Nannies are expensive and almost negate the extra income, but some women rightfully like to get back to their careers.

A babysitter or minder reduces the strain on working mothers

From about six months onwards the baby is old enough to be sent to a day care centre and although this isn’t ideal for bonding with parents, they have the advantage of professionally trained carers who offer them all sorts of stimulating activities and the company of other children. This might be a little early to start and you may need to spend money on a home carer. Unfortunately in today’s high demanding world this is often necessary.

Which play school and kindergarten you choose will also be important. Often a conveniently located neighbourhood day care centre is first choice, but make sure you are comfortable with the way they treat the child and whether they offer good learning and stimulation at this critical age.

Moving on to kindergarten is a pre-cursor to junior school and although this might still be a long way off, if you are determined to get your child into a good school you need to start early in enrolling them in the right institutions to guarantee a place later. Some private schools give preference to a child coming from their own kindergarten. Children can start kindergarten from aged four in some places, but it depends on your own child’s development.

While child care isn’t one of the immediate tasks at hand, it will play a crucial role in the early development of your children and it’s probably a good idea to choose carefully.

Caring for babies
The cost of kids
Raising an Einstein