To increase DS preschool hours

[LemonSqueezer]

Currently filling out form for DS' free nursery/preschool funding (he's just turned 3, so funding will kick in after Easter), and I'm wondering if I'm being unreasonable to increase his hours at preschool?

He currently does 3 mornings a week (9-12), and seems to really enjoy it there. I'm currently a SAHM (looking to go back to work this year), and have a 21month DD too.

Lately, both DCs have been driving me crackers (I think largely due to the bad weather and staying in a bit more!), and I'm finding DS especially hard work. He's not naughty, he just wants me to play with him ALL THE TIME, and I can't handle the fullon-ness (is that a word?!). It's starting to get me down, stressed, and feel very claustrophobic.

Would it be awful if I increased his hours to 2 full days (9-4) and the other half day a week? I know he's going to be entitled to that many hours, but I feel guilty that I would be at home and essentially sending him off! I'd still be at home with DD in the meantime.

I'm just wondering if I'm doing it because we're cooped up more, and come Easter when the nice weather (hopefully) makes a reappearance, I'll regret signing him up?

Aware many people's DCs are in full time nursery and the like, but he doesn't NEED to go IYSWIM?

WWYD? AIBU?

[LemonSqueezer]

I think we do all need a breather from each other. I've been getting very irate lately, and short with them, which isn't fair I'm like a different woman if I've had a few hours away, or they've been at the GPs for an afternoon. Hence after 3 years of being a SAHM, I'm going to try and go back to work part time!

[mrscog]

Why on earth would you feel guilty? He'll be having a lovely time, and experiencing more things than he would at home and your DD will get more of your attention. No brainer!

[Lovealotofshopping]

Mine all did 5 mornings from 2.9 months as did all their friends. Don't feel bad.

[JoinTheDots]

Mine does 5 mornings and I find that having a half day with and a half day without is a nice mix. I also cannot wait for the better weather though!

[LemonSqueezer]

Thanks all! I think I will sign him up guilt-free then! I just feel that I'm more enthusiastic when we have a break. The weather has been awful this morning, and we've all been feeling restless despite playing/doing a million things- I feel exhausted!

[PumpkinPie2013]

Not at all unreasonable. My sister does the same (her dc2 is 6 months) as her eldest little boy is also not naughty but very, very active constantly.

He loves his pre-school and it gives her a bit of time with dc2 plus time to herself when dc2 naps.

I'd say pre-school has done my nephew no end of good x

[Booboostoo]

My DD is 2.10 and asked herself if she could go to nursery every morning (from 2-3 mornings a week). I think they get to an age where they really enjoy the company of other children and however hard you try at home it's difficult to use up all their energy! Go for it!