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Between Us: "Things No One Told Me When I Took My Child to Daycare for the First Time"

Shkruar nga Anabel

14 Mars 2025

Between Us: "Things No One Told Me When I Took My Child to Daycare for the

Are you the main character in your life or the sidekick that no one remembers at the end of the movie? If you've felt like the latter from time to time, we give you the opportunity to change that fact. At "Among Us", you can share your most honest thoughts, providing a non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself about the things you feel so strongly about that you need to share with someone, especially when it seems like no one understands you, or cares about the details of your daily life.

Your bike was stolen in the middle of the city and you were too embarrassed to chase the thief from behind? We care! Your boyfriend said "I love you" to you for the first time, but you didn't feel like saying it back? We care! Do you like to overdo it with alcohol from time to time and do mischief just to add a little adrenaline to your life? We care! The important thing is that you are doing something in life and we are all eyes and ears to give the right importance to your story. :)

Between Us: "Things No One Told Me When I Took My Child to Daycare for the

"The day I took my daughter to daycare for the first time was the most terrifying day of my life. I dare to admit that I had never felt so bad in my entire experience as a mother. I thought I was ready, since everyone (relatives, mother-in-law, mom, friends) had given me advice, but no one had told me what I really wanted to hear. I'm going to spare you the clichéd sentences, so I'm being very direct.

1.  Feeling guilty is inevitable: They will tell you “it’s better for the child’s development”, “he will get used to other children”. But no one tells you how much guilt you will feel. It’s not just the first day, it’s every day. I remember when my daughter would stare at me and I would read in her eyes as if she were saying: “Mom, where are you going?”. You would cry and cry endlessly. This feeling of guilt will accompany you all day long. For days on end. I was scared by the idea that she would take her first steps and I wouldn’t be there. She would learn a new word and I wouldn’t be the first person to hear it. It doesn’t matter how much advice others give you – the feeling of guilt will be there. But no one will tell you: you are doing the best you can and that is more than enough.

2. You will be unsure: No matter how much you have researched online and received suggestions, you will ask yourself questions about everything: Is this the best place? Did I make the right choice? No one tells you that it is normal to doubt and be unsure. Doubt is part of the process and just like a child, you are both learning. Many friends may tell you that “her child adapted immediately” or “didn’t get sick at all” while your child from home only has viruses. Don’t let other people’s experiences make you doubt. Don’t compare experiences and don’t use others as an example. What works for someone else may not work for your child.

3. You'll miss her more than you thought: I thought that after I sent her to daycare, I would have more time for myself. To be honest, I missed the time to myself, I missed the "not being a full-time mom" part. But no one told me I would miss my daughter so much. It's a strange void - like your heart is somewhere else.

4. You will have mixed feelings: There will be days when, under the weight of so many things (being a mom, a wife, an employee, etc.), you will feel a kind of relief when you take your child to daycare. A relief like you have one less responsibility. Then right after that, you will feel like you are a bad mother. Like you are neglecting your child. It is OK to have these feelings. However, this does not make you a bad mother – it simply makes you human. Make peace with this.

5. It gets easier, but not right away: It felt like the transition would take forever. But slowly, over time, my tears lessened and saying “goodbye” in the morning wasn’t as dramatic. I don’t want to scare you, but there will be days when your child doesn’t want to come with you, but wants to stay with the teacher more. You’ll be scared that you’re suddenly no longer the center of their world, but then you’ll find peace in the fact that your baby is growing and building his own little world.

As a mother who has experienced this phase, I can tell you to remind yourself that your love is not measured by the hours you spend with your child, but by the care and dedication you give them, regardless of the distance. You are and will always remain the center of his/her world, your voice will comfort him/her, your hug will remain the safest place for him/her. Just try to be gentler with yourself and believe that you are doing your best." – written by a young mother.

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