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Is It Lunchtime Yet?

Daycare Dilemmas of Stay-at-Home Moms

By Sharon Waldrop

Exchanging child-care duties (AKA a "trade-out") with a friend provides a mother with much-needed time off with no strain on the pocketbook. A double treat! Add to that a fun-filled playdate for a child who appreciates the company of a person his own size, and you've got a recipe for success.

Many daycare providers open their homes or facilities on a drop-off basis. This is a flexible option for mothers who have daycare needs that vary in frequency and duration. Keep in mind that licensed providers have a mandatory specified adult-to-child ratio and have to abide by those guidelines. In some homes and facilities, drop-off arrangements may be available on a limited basis.

Karen Dohman of Crestline, CA enrolled her daughter Clair in a toddler program at a local church-sponsored preschool at the age of 18 months. Mother and daughter are separated Tuesday and Thursday mornings for three hours. Dohman studies for her pending college degree and works on newsletters at home during this time.

Clair has been involved in the program for two months. She enjoys arts and crafts, story time, outside play and music activities. Each month is geared towards learning a new color with all the arts and craft activities built around that particular color.

"Clair and I have benefited greatly from this arrangement," says Dohman. "It is very easy for me to sit down with her and do a craft project because she knows the routine and I know how much she loves doing little projects." She adds that Clair's concentration and attention span have improved. "The program has also been good for developing Clair's independence and confidence. Her social skills have also improved and she is sharing better with other children and her own older brother now."