Answered on 30th April 2010:

There is a ton of guilt when leaving kids somewhere else...I know. But in the time I have been doing it, (almost 5 years -2 kids) I can't believe how far ahead of their nondaycare peers they are. My son is entering Kindergarten this fall, and because of his small center, he already knows most of what he is required to know at the end! My daughter is 2 and she is wonderful with sharing, knows all her colors, sings songs, and is super verbal! And at the end of the day, they both want mom and dad and know we love them, because when we are with them, we are fully present and raising them with our values...that being said, I think it is totally important to choose a place that will support you in that. We go to a cross between in-home/large center. It is large enough for my kids to be social and know the social rules and get academics but everyone knows everyone and it feels like family. They have Christian values and do family style meals together as classes, all very important to how we do things. It can be an awesome partnership and I know, for me, I am a better mom because I am fufilled with my work and my family.

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