Najla, I have experienced both and with anything in life, there are good and bad points to each. I went back to work when my first DS was 8 months old and for me it was exactly the right thing to do at the time, he was very contented at nurser and flourished in that environment. With my second DS I was/still am a full time SAHM although he is now almost 3 and attending nusery.
I firmly believe you have to what is right for you and your own circumstances and let no one criticise you nor feel guilty whichever route you take. I personally prefer the nursery route than leaving a baby with a maid. A maid is very different than a trained child minder too.
I also think it is very important for mothers who want to continue their career to be able to do so, we are all very
different and as much as I enjoy being a SAHM I really do miss the working environment.
Whatever you decide don't feel guilty, you will know it's the right thing for you, I've done both options and I don't now feel like either of mine have suffered as a result.
edited by Scribs on 10/10/2011
<em>edited by Scribs on 10/10/2011</em>
kiwispiers replied :
From a developmental point of view she would be much much better with you, and if not with you, she would be much better with a full-time, one-on-one nanny for at least the next year, research has backed that up.
I work part time and my 2 kids ( 3 and 1 year old ) go to the nursery daily and enjoy it . I have a full time maid living in . I dont share the point of view of Kiwispiers as most of the families have a maid/nanny and not a proper qualified nanny .
<em>edited by Caramelle on 09/10/2011</em>
Najla, it is very personal decision and a tough one. There is NO research indicating that quantity of time you spend with you LO is influencial - it is all about a quality.
It will be tougher for you than for your LO. Of course she (and you too!) will need some time to adapt.
DH and I both work full time - it was our decision to go down that route and we have a helper who we made sure is part of the family (no, she is not related to us ;)). DD is now 18 months and love us and her nanny to bits! I dont let anybody to make me feel guilty about the fact that I work.
I have to state that I have so much respect for mums who stay at home, but everyone circumstances are different. Good luck with whatever you decide. As I said it is not easy, but very much doable and your bond with your LO will be just as strong!
xx
L. I know it's healthier for her to make other social interactions at the nursery, have a new schedule, activities....
I don't want to make you feel worse I really don't, if you have no choice financially than to return to work I'm sure your daughter will cope, but its simply not true that its healthier for her to go to nursery at age one. From a developmental point of view she would be much much better with you, and if not with you, she would be much better with a full-time, one-on-one nanny for at least the next year, research has backed that up.