Daycare Induced Headache

I’ve had it pretty good. Upon returning to work seven months ago post-maternity leave, my mom saved me from a daycare induced headache by taking on the responsibility of watching my precious boy all four days I’m in the office. But as Dylan nears the 1 year mark, it’s time to look into other options so that my mom can have a little more freedom and Dylan can have a little bit more of a social life. In short: I’m terrified. 

The thought of entrusting my son with a stranger leaves me unhinged. Childcare is a foreign concept to me, as my four sisters and I were raised by an extremely protective stay at home mom. It is quite daunting that my impressions of daycare are solely based off of news reports, common knowledge, and the stories of others. And let me tell you, there is nothing like unfamiliarity to spur fear of the unknown. 

So what’s a mom to do? Get a nanny cam. Kidding! Kind of…I’ll admit that I have looked into wearable cameras and stumbled upon some amazing concoctions (smoke detector, alarm clock, power outlet, wrist watch), but equipping Dylan with a camera is not the solution to my insecurities. It’s actually just leaning toward hyper-vigilant anxiety issues and enabling my paranoia. If I have to equip Dylan with a camera to feel better about his daycare then I need some serious help (and a new daycare). 

I have been extremely lucky to have my mom watch Dylan during his first year of life and I am forever grateful. But in between finding quality care for my baby, warming up to the inevitable change, and fighting the urge to purchase a spy cam necklace, I have my work cut out for me.