Self child rearing or socialization through daycare?

[angie1976]

I have a one year old son and am thinking about going back to work, but I wanted some feedback from people on this forum about whether it is better to raise a child on your own or to socialize your child with other children through daycare. Although I would have preferred my mother to watch my son while I am at work, she is not an option to take care of my son on a daily basis, as she live three hours away. I am nervous about letting someone else look after my son, but I also want him to have an opportunity to make friends and learn to play with other children.



What are your thoughts?

[SallySue15]

I went to daycare as a small child because my mother had to go back to work to support our family. I had a couple of bad experiences (just didn't like the place, nothing bad happened to me), but overall I had fun and made friends. I do understand the concern, though. Now, I hear a lot in the news about molestation and other weird child abuse stuff in people that are daycare providers/babysitters.

I think that the best thing is to make sure that the daycare provider is licensed, get references, and above all, listen to your child.