"Ericka Kammerer" wrote in message
. ..
Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward wrote:
I was all excited to get a spot at our neighbourhood daycare centre
for my 22-month old, who has been at home until now, but a naysayer
relative has made me wonder if I'm hurting my daughter more than doing
her good by putting her in daycare at this age, in winter, no less.

Asking whether daycare is harmful is a lot like asking
whether food is harmful. You don't know the answer without
knowing a lot more about the situation.
LOL. I like that!
I think that sums it up really.
If you're thinking about germs and illnesses then I don't think that's a big
worry unless they're immune compromised.
As to their mental state/development :-) it's going to depend on the child
and the care. Some children will have problems being sent away from mummy at
that age. Others will love to go and develop much better with peers around.
My #1 did much more stuff with me at home tha she showed them at preschool,
and even now at school. (They were always greeting me with "look she did
***" and I'd think "she's been doing that for a year at home") #2's the
other way, and she does so much more (other than reading) there than with
me.

My one concern if I was you is as you're keeping the younger one at home and
not her, couls it cause resentment that they're being sent away because of
the baby. As the baby's 9 months, I don't think it is likely to be an issue,
but it was the only cause for concern I had upon reading your post.
Debbie