I don't know what to do about nursery for DS, can anyone help put my mind at ease?

[ppandj]

Ds1 has just turned 2 in April. We also had ds2 at the beginning of March so the times have been a-changing here recently. I have been umming and ahhing about when to start DS in nursery. I am on maternity leave and work evenings/nights so childcare is not an issue, but I feel that DS would benefit from more interaction with other kids and more stimulation than I can offer at home. I have found a local nursery where a friend's son goes that she really recommends. I just feel so nervous about it because his brother has only just arrived and I think he is very sensitive to it all. His behaviour has definitely started to be more challenging- all normal stuff for his age and he has a new sibling, so nothing alarming- and I am worried he feels a bit abandoned by me because I'm often with the baby now and not just him. I don't want him to feel even more abandoned. Is it just the wrong time? I had planned on starting him there in July possibly for just 2 afternoons per week. Please share any thoughts or experiences as I am quite unsure of it all!

[soundsystem]

I think waiting a little while so he doesn't lInk it to the arrival of a new sibling is a good idea. If he's starting in July, presumably it's a private nursery (rather than preschool) and they tend to be quieter over Summer so could be good to ease him into it.

Good luck!

[ppandj]

Thanks sound yes it is a private nursery that goes up to school age so I was planning on starting him for just a few hours per week then gradually increasing. I think I will go and have a proper look and talk my worries through with them to see what they say.

[Newtothis11]

Do you go to stay and play type groups with him? This would mean he gets to interact whilst you're still there and could be a stepping stone to him going to nursery. I think it's a good idea to look at the nursery idea as it'll mean more 1:1 with the new arrival. I guess it's the way in which you prep him for this that needs thinking about.

[thethoughtfox]

All the parenting and child psychology books will tell you that there are no benefits to nursery until they are 3 or older.Perhaps consider toddler groups or playdates instead if it is just for social reasons.

[ppandj]

Newtothis we go to Tumble n Twist (soft play/gymnastics type thing) twice per week. He does interact with the adults there really well but is quite nervous around the other kids.

Thoughtfox that's really interesting, I have been feeling quite guilty thinking that he is missing out a lot on the independence but possibly no need to. It would be really lovely to have regular 1:1 time with ds2 but I don't want to put ds1 through all the upheaval if it isn't actually helpful. I'm even more conflicted now.

[Newtothis11]

Why don't you stick with what you do at the moment help him to grow his confidence at the soft play and see where you are in a few more months. Maybe your 1:1 could come when DS is with dad or other family??