There is no right answer for this as all children are different and respond in different ways to leaving mum or dad’s side.

Of course it also depends on whether you are entering the workforce again or staying at home to be a full time carer.

For those going into the workforce this can be a trying time and depending on the age of the child will add to the level of stress you may feel when making a decision as to where your child will be while you are at work.

If you have family members willing to look after your little one then this could be the answer while your child is young.

Once they are over 18 months your child needs to integrate with other children allowing them to learn basic social skills.

Toddlers respond well to low carer to child ratios and require carers with lots of patience and energy.

This is when children begin to test their limits and they need carers who can help them understand the parameters of the world they live in.

Three to five year old children are keen to build peer relationships and play with their friends.

A quality child care centre can be very beneficial in helping children at this age learn many early skills and provide children with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities they might not be able to do at home.

Really it’s what feels right along with some practical safety checks that will keep you sane and a little less guilt free.

Life at day care and preschool will be over all too soon and your child will be off to big school.

This is another slightly stressful time in your life but the same rules apply when it comes to chosing a school for your child to attend.

By this time they would have established friendships with their preschool buddies so take this into account when choosing a school.

If it is not necessary to separate friends then don’t, you will find their transition period a lot less stressful which means you too will be happier.

Check all the schools out in your chosen area and visit them.

Can you see your child happy there for seven years?

Does the school have a positive outlook for their students and an open door for the parents?

There are many things to take into account but the most important is that your child is happy to go there — either day care, preschool or big school.

Their happiness is what gets all of you over the first hurdle and makes for a smoother transition into the school years.

Enthusiasm