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At what age do you send your LO to nursery / preschool?

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:56

My DD is 18 months now and I am wondering if I should start sending her to nursery / preschool in September (she will be 21 months then). She is home with me all the time now and I think she would enjoy some time with other kids but, I know that some of the experts say she is still a little young to really appreciate peer play.

I am also expecting another LO in November so, maybe it is better to get her started and used to school before her little brother arrives?

If I start in the fall would you recommend a 2, 3 or 5 day program for her age? I don't need a full day just the core nursery program.

Thanks for your input!

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199

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:57

Thanks ladies - thats alot of good points i did not consider! especially DS catching bugs at nursery and having a newbie in the house at the same time Shortly after signing up for a few classes at fav things - DS got sick and when he is sick he just need lots n lots of extra cuddles. But at the same time i want to be able to give our new addition that same undivided attention without worrying about him getting too jealous - at the moment its just the two of us and we really are doing very well! but i think i am going to finally do it and get fulltime help so my focus becomes the kids

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:37

It is good to know I am not the only one debating this! kiwispiers, you have a good point about the additional germs DD will be introduced to at nursery and also the lack of language skills most kids have at this age. I am also used to the whole, kids don't go to nursery until they are 3 thing since that is what typically happens in the US but, it does seem like more and more younger kids here are going to school and loving it. Also, I am not that involved in play groups or things but, DD loves to play with other kids at the pool and park (or wherever we are) so, I think she would enjoy a little more peer interaction. I was initially thinking I would wait and start her in January after the baby is born but, one of the Building Blocks people I spoke to suggested starting beforehand so it wouldn't seem like the baby was the reason I was "getting rid of her". I have to agree that she has a point. Also, since I work from home and don't have a nanny/helper it would be really great to have a few mornings a week where I don't have both kids to watch. I think I am definitely leaning towards trying to enroll her somewhere starting in September (if it isn't already too late!). I did just sign DD up for a week of summer camp at Building Blocks. I thought this would be a good trial to see if she absolutely hates it or not. I know things change a lot in a few months but, at least I can get an idea of her social capabilities and also test out the school without committing to a whole term.

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:21

SA babe, regardless of what you decide, get full time help anyway so you can get 40 winks and then play with your kids instead of cleaning your house!

kiwispiers15400

2782

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:19

I've been thinking about this myself recently and if you research you can find studies either way. For me this biggest thing is their immune systems are not fully developed and they tend to get very sick at nursery the first few months (and longer). Generally speaking (based on studies) children are only better off academically in daycare if they come from a home environment that is lacking/underprivileged but there seem to be conflicting results as far as socialization skills. (in regards to starting at age 2 vs age 3) I think it would depend on the kid. If you go to playgroups etc, does your child enjoy interacting with other children, if not then they are probably not going to get much out of it at this stage. For me the other factor is language, I don't want to send my son until I feel he has the language skills to adequately express his needs. Also research based, a couple of hours a day 5 days a week is seen as easier for your child to adjust to than 1 or 2 long days. I think you have a good point re baby number 2, you don't want her to start right when there is a major life change at home (and also don't want all the first few months of germs to coincide wiht a newborn in the house) Anyway my plan is to wait until he is at least 2 and then decide based on where I think he is developmentally, in my head kids don't go until they are 3 (as that is how it is in my country) but having seen my friends 2 year olds really excited about going in the morning I can see how for some kids they are ready sooner. In the meantime I take him to at least 3 playgroups per week so that he can interact with other kids while still having me present.

199

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:04

wow - I was wondering the same thing My LO is 16 months - and no.2 is also due in Nov! I am trying to decide if a half day nursery might be good for him 2-3 times a week so that he gets to play with other kids in the morning instead of staying at home and watching mommy take care of the newbie and clean house . I also think the first few months with lack of sleep i might stay sane if i can get that extra 40 winks in the morning i would def like to know what other mums in a similar situation did - what worked for thier families would it be recommended to get fulltime help - so both kids and hubby get enough of my time and the household chores get taken care off by a helper ?

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