Dan Marsula, Post-Gazette Click illustration for larger image.

A: The most important thing, of course, is to do what you believe will be best for your family. But, with that said, we do feel strongly that your son would benefit from staying in care.

First, it will ensure that he keeps his spot in the class. (Check with the day care director to see if that's an issue.)

Transition issues are a factor. Your son is used to day care; if you withdraw him, separation anxiety could become an issue when he returns -- as it probably was when he was a toddler.

Kids your son's age crave consistency and routine. The classroom provides those and withdrawing your son will mean his getting used to a new routine with you and the baby -- and then transitioning back to the day care routine. Those changes could frustrate your child unnecessarily.

So much that's positive and developmentally helpful to your son happens in day care. As he interacts with his classmates, he's learning social skills important both now and later in his life.

He's also acquiring early literacy skills. Those skills build on each other, and, unless you're prepared to work regularly with him, he might fall behind if he's away for eight weeks.

		Parenting 4 Kids Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. Through this column, 4 Kids staff members answer reader questions about raising children in the critical early years. E-mail questions for consideration to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org, or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.

Keeping your son in care provides advantages for you, too: You'll be able to rest and heal while your newborn sleeps.

You'll also have more time to bond with the new one, just as you did with your son.

Before you make your decision, you might want to ask the day care director about keeping your child in care either three full days or five part-days during your leave. That might be a happy medium.

You might also ask the director and your son's teacher what they think will be best for him, developmentally and socially.

Good luck with your decision -- and congratulations on the baby!