Daycare and the perspective of a 5 year old

If any of you have read Guilt Ridden Mommy you know what a torturous path I took myself on in regards to daycare.  It was a long and arduous journey, where I basically banged my head against the wall for months, probably years.  I was convinced I was torturing my kid and ruining her childhood. She was in daycare for about 2 years before I pulled the plug, to be full time stay-at-home mommy.    

Well, 5 years later and much anguish aside, all was put into perspective a few days ago.  As you may know I've been taking the break of full time stay-at-home mom, to take a little corporate mommy vacation.  All is well, and much breathing room has been accomplished thus far.  But, the daycare situation still is less than desirable and we are finding we are having to juggle more balls in our court.  Good thing is we are 5 years into this and our juggling skills have gotten much more accomplished.  And it is less of a armageddon type situation. 

So off I go to tour and "research" local daycares with much confidence and success.  Kids in hand, I drive up to the daycare that is the chain of the one we previously went to in a different city.  I'm feeling comfortable with this chain as we know the routine.  I ask my poignant questions and discuss the future needs and wants with the director.  I check out the teachers and ensure there are no mass murders working there, and that everyone has smiles and teaching certificates to bat.  

We have the expected shy moment with the younger son, and of course the wanting of the kids to play on the playground.  Once we leave, I turn to my daughter and say, "Did you like it when you went to this place before?"  As it's almost an exact replica of the previous place she went.  She knows it's a different place, but she also is comfortable with her surroundings.  She looks at me point blank and says "I don't remember mom!  I was a kid!  Yes, it's good."  

So there you have it.  I waisted months and possibly years of energy with lost sleep worrying if I had damaged my kid in some way by putting her in a daycare.  She looks at me and says  "I don't even remember!"  All she really remembers was her first friend she made there, who she is still friends with today!  

So for all you moms who are stressed over if your kid is in daycare or not.  Forget about it!  I seriously doubt they will even remember enough about it to even care. 

Now go stress about something else.  The possibilities are always endless, but at least you can scratch that one off your list!