At what age did you send your child to nursery? Post Reply

[Mimismum]

Hello,

I would just like to know at what age did you send your lo to nursery? My daughter starts in a couple of weeks she is 13 months old and will start from 3 sessions. I think it is too early, however I am doing this due to health issues that I have. I need the time she will be at nursery to rest and attend my appointments. However I'm feeling very emotional about this! Did you get emotional too?

Thank you for taking your time to read this.
Xoxo

[kiwimummy]

Full time at 7 months and thriving at 2.5 years...

Depends on the child. I wouldn't worry overly much, the worst thing you can do is be stressed about it as the child picks up on it, and it may make your health problems worse. Mums are important too.

[mummy_dani]

Mine started at 6 months, 2 days a week. As I haven't gone back to work yet he started off doing 2/3 hours, and gradually increasing to full days (9-4.30) after about a month. He's now 11 months and he loves it and he's always so happy when he's there.

I think usually the older they start, the longer it takes to settle in, but they will settle and they will have a great time when they are there. I think it's sometimes harder for the parents than the child!

Good luck.

[mum-from-tooting]

My daughter started at 11 months for two days a week which increased to three days a week a few months later. She is now two and half and thrives there. Recently had a second daughter and put her name down to start at 12 months for two days a week. Haven't yet gone back to work but we made the decision to put her in nursery to learn to interact with other children, have more varied activities than I could offer and for me to have some time to myself (selfish I know but lovely).

The first week she started I would leave the nursery all smiley and then cry in the car or at home as it was really tough to be separated from her. It lasted about a week then started to really enjoy the time off and seeing how much she enjoyed it made it so much easier and less guilt.

You may find it hard at the start but that will soon change especially if your daughter shows you all the signs that she is enjoying it too. If you are doing it for health reason, it is even more important that you have time to rest and it will no doubt be beneficial for both of you.

[TupeloHoney]

4 full days per week from 7 months and he couldn't be happier - he's now 2 1/2.

I'm so glad I took the plunge, I agonised over it beforehand but I needn't have worried. As long as you feel confident that the nursery you've chosen is the right one then I'm sure your child will thrive too.

Be warned though, the first few times you leave them is awful - for you more than for them - plan something fun to do to take your mind off it!

[Almaceti]

Hi
13 months is not too young in my opinion, especially if it is only part time.
She will be delighted to interact with other children, make friends and discover new activities.
My sons both started at 18 months because I couldn't afford it earlier (not working or nursery too expensive for younger babies), but if I could have chosen, I would have sent them to nursery from between 6 to 12 months.
Don't worry too much for her, she will certainly settle quickly and be happy. And take care of yourself!

[Soon-to-be-a-SMOG]

3 full days from 12 mths old, and she adored it. She thrived, on an emotional and independence level.

I'm pregnant again and would love to put this one in a nursery around the same age, but trying to juggle school drop-off and nursery drop-off as well as getting to work means a nanny would be the simpler option ...... I'm actually sad about that, I want my second to have the same wonderful experience as my first !

[Mimismum]

Thank you everyone so much. Last week my health deteriorated.I have been in and out of hospital. So for now we have employed a nanny. She will also do the housework. I know her well as she was with me when my daughter was born.
I agree with my daughter going to nursery and having the interation with the other children, so I'm going to enrol her soon. I just need to recover first.
I appreciate everyone's advice. Feel more confident, have to admit though ladies my heart still goes Awwww! Lol!

[eli]

My Heart is with you Mimismum, my son just started nursery a few weeks ago and I was/am stressing over it. He cries when we leave but they say only for a few minutes and then busies himself playing with games/toys and is fine for the rest of the day, well, until I go to pick him up again! I do think that from a very early age they know that their crying is an effective tool to get what they need or want. My son a sensitive, loving little boy who is dearly close to his mom (blush) and he sure knows how to use that tool to make me feel terrible!! I agree with the other posters that the interaction for them is great, for your child to be offered activities that you likely cannot and to learn to cope/thrive on their own. I also think it was rather lovely, and I agree, with the person who said mom's are important too. I think your choice, for your health and for your own self, is courageous and difficult. Stay strong, your child may surprise and delight you and run out of your arms and into the nursery. Keep us posted will you??!!

[petyo]

Our girl started nursery at 3 years and 4 months old for 2 days a week.
She is loving the experience and the method of Montessori pre-school teaching really appeals to us.
I now work only 3 days a week and take her to work with me ,but before that I was stay-at-home mum .