Anyone with a child can relate to all the unsolicited advice received. I have been more than gracious with my blanket responses "Thanks, I'll give that a try OR That's a great idea." Well after 3 months of hearing comments about Lyla being in daycare - it's only fair that I express my opinion since everyone is so good at expressing theirs.
I'll start of by giving everyone examples of what I have heard:
1. How often has she gotten sick?
2. She must get diaper rash all the time.
3. Does she sleep?
4. You know you can find an "average" nanny for just as cheap as daycare? (laughable)
* I must pause for a comment on this one:
Obviously the people in this category have their opinion about daycare and therefore have never called for pricing.
5. Did you just not want to deal with the interview process?
* Here I go - another pause for comment:
I wish, cause the stress of being on the waiting list for almost a year in a half is far easier...sense the sarcasm?!?!
6. Having a nanny is far more convenient and better for the baby?
Comment: More convenient for the baby or for YOU???
And last but not least...a doozy!!!
7. It's not fair to the baby to be in daycare....
Okay so I get it - it's natural to defend your own arrangement (self included) but this is the point I am trying to make...
There is a HUGE difference between defending your own situation because you feel it's best for your own child AND "THINKING" your own situation is best for ALL children.
Lyla is one of the happiest babies...and no I am not just saying that!!! Anyone that has been lucky enough to be around Lyla for any given amount of time can attest to this!!! If your opinion of daycare has anything to do with the amount of attention, love or care you think she "doesn't" receive - than I hope this post has given you enough information to form an opinion based on something more than thinking your own situation is best for every child!
Anonymous comments are welcomed!
7 comments:
just made a comment to a friend just the other day what a happy happy baby girl Lyla is. Of course I should say that because i am her grandma but a fact is a fact. She is so happy so you are doing everything right. Weather it is daycare that you have chosen or her sweet little personality that her parents have helped with.
I must say, from what I know about you and your family from emails, you and Michael are GREAT parents! And you care SO much for your sweet little Lyla and do everything possible to give her the best life possible. Hang in there! I know it's hard but try to ignore those crazy comments/questions people have. You have a beautiful daughter that is SO perfect and happy!! And that's what matters! By the way LOVE the video of Michael feeding Lyla the cereal!!! TOO CUTE!!
You go girl! I don't have kids yet so I try to never comment on other people's parenting decisions or give opinions on what I think is best for someone else's child, but I do know that Lyla couldn't ask for better parents and she is already such a beautiful and happy child--keep doing what you're doing! Love, Nell
It's amazingly frustrating isn't it?! And, as someone who went the nanny route because that's what works for us, I can tell you we get the same thing all the time - "She needs to be in daycare...You are spoiling her rotten...She'll never learn how to share...She's going to think the world revolves around her...When is she around other kids...She'd be a better sleeper if she was in daycare...She's going to spend all of kindergarten sick as a dog; wouldn't you rather her immune system develop when she will only be missing daycare and not learning..." I could go on & on. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is - it's the same as when you are pregnant; everyone thinks they have all the answers. I can honestly say though that it seems to me that most people are genuine and really do think they are trying to help. I try to look at it that way, which helps. Good luck! :)
Amanda - when people ask you those questions or provide those statements, you can offer the following responses:
1. suck it
2. suck it
3. suck it
4. suck it
5. suck it
6. suck it
7. suck it
that's pretty much my philosophy on people's criticisms or critiques of my parenting skills. feel free to apply it to your own life. i think you two are model parents and lyla is an awesome baby. hang in there.
- Louie
Don't let it bother you too much. I know it's hard. I've been there. Vance wasn't in daycare. I chose to put my career on hold and stay home with him. And now I only work part time in order to get him on and off the bus. It's what works best for my family. But I constantly heard that he needed more socialization or that I shouldn't give up my job. Vance turns 6 this weekend and he'll be surrounded by friends and family. He's a happy, healthy boy and I know we're doing are job right. The little time I've spent peeking at your blog - Lyla looks amazingly happy. And that's all that counts. You and Mike should just keep loving your adorable girl just as you are. Take care.
As I read this, I don't know how many times I thought "mmm-hmmm" or "Amen to that sista"! 'nough said. -Case
Post a Comment