Should I put my son into a nursery to help his development? Post Reply

[leslos]

I am thinking of putting my son into a nursery two mornings a week when he is about 2 but am unsure if this is the best thing for him. I do not work so can look after him but feel he needs a little more time with other children and also to get use to playing without me there. I do take him to a couple of play groups but he always plays near me or wants me to play with him. I am unsure whether a playgroup you can leave him at or a nursery would be better? I am also wondering on the benefits of a montessori nursery versus the others. Any suggestions would be great thanks

[schoolgatesmum]

I think it sounds like you're doing a great job. Of course he plays near you - he's not even 2 yet and he loves being with his Mum. I feel there is way too much pressure to leave your children in creches/nurseries. I never left mine with anyone (other than relatives or friends) until they started pre-school (and even that I thought seemed really young). My first was a bit nervous to start with but settled in after a while and is now a very confident 9 year old boy. My other children also didn't go anywhere until pre-school and they were fine when they started. There's nothing wrong with hanging out with Mummy doing normal things (shopping, going to the playground, housework!). Once they start pre-school/school everything is so different and you look back on those precious times when they were still all yours and you made all their decisions for them. Saying that, lots of mums need breathing space and a bit of time to themselves and a couple of mornings at nursery can be great. But don't do it just because you feel you ought to.

[MrsAmanda]

I spent ages wrangling with myself about exactly the same thing. I took my son to the One O'Clock club and some playgroups, but I wondered if he'd benefit from some time away from me.
I'm a stay-home mum, so don't *need* him to go to nursery, but thought it'd be good for him - and me. I only wanted him to go part time, though.

It was his 2nd birthday last weekend, and he's been going for 4 weeks. It's early days, but apart from a few wobbles at the beginning, he absolutely loves it. He already has a great relationship with the women who work there (he was a bit under the weather one day and just wanted to sit on the lap of one of them), and is making friends. I think it's good for him to see the same children, too, as there are lots of different faces at the one o'clock clubs. He's doing lots of different activities that I wouldn't do with him at home (all the messy stuff!) and I think his development is coming quicker, too. I also think he's getting a bit braver. We went to Eddie Catz and whereas a few weeks ago he was quite timid, this time he shot off up onto the 'big boy' climbing frame. It may just be that he's that little bit older, but I think nursery is giving him more confidence.

It's not for everyone, and I know I'm gushing, but it's been such a success for us.

[ready2pop]

I was worried my son was getting bored at home with me all day (even though like everyone else has said we did lots of groups and classes) so put him into a montessori pre-school when he was two and a half. He has loved it from day one and has come on leaps and bounds in terms of both confidence and sociability.

He has a great time there doing all sorts of amazing things we wouldn't do at home and has made lots and lots of friends who he chats about all the time.

It doesn's suit everyone but if you have an inkling that your son needs more stimulation then go for it.

I'd definitely recommend pre-school rather than a day care nursery though - they have a very different feel. The nurseries seem to focus more on just looking after them whereas the preschools are more about doing focused activities.

[Miasmummy]

My daughter was exactly the same, she stuck to me like glue everytime we went out to playgroups and soft play areas, I think her pre school definately helped, she goes off on her own now.
Have you had a look at Little Starlings in Balham they offer morning sessions just under 2 hours, messy play, songs, stories, free play.


Good luck