Sending 18 month to nursery only once a week - is it worth it?

[HopeNope]

Hi

I work from home and at the moment I am managing with working in the evenings after DS has gone to bed and working a few hours on the weekend.

I put DS's name down at an outstanding nursery nearby and they have a waiting list for a year. However, they rang me today to say they have a one day a week place which has become available.

Is it worth it putting him in nursery for one day a week? He is 18 months old, only child and is definitely clingy. I am worried he may not settle?

[Madamecastafiore]

Dd has been going since she was 9 months. She is now 12 months. Took a while to settle but now runs in and is all smiles when I collect her. he'll be fine and if not you can review the situation in say, 3 months.

[Stars66]

I hated sending DD to nursery as the thought of leaving her upset me! But, she loves it and thrives there. It is great for their independence and they adjust very quickly.
I would say go for it!

[alwaysonmymind]

I would say to go for it too. And it may open up the availability of other days when you have your foot in the door!

[Trooperslane]

My friend has twins and does this to get a break - I'd go for it.

[AStudentAgain]

Am in Exactly the same situation (work from home with toddler) and dc has been going to nursery one day a week since 18 months. Would really recommend it! Dc absolutely loves it and it frees up my time at evenings and weekends (when I'm normally working), making life much less hectic!

[Littlefish]

I would recommend two half days, rather than one whole day a week. In my experience (nursery teacher), children find it much harder to settle when doing only one day per week as it is such a long time between visits. In fact, we don't offer the option to do only a single day at the nursery where I work.

[HopeNope]

Thanks everyone!

AStudentAgain, that's very reassuring as our DCs are the same age. May I ask how long it took your DC to settle at nursery?

I'm thinking I should at least give it a try. If it doesn't work out I could always pull him out ... Its like my brain says yes I should give it a shot, and my heart says no, just keep him with you

[machair]

My nursery were lovely and let me sit in the room until DD got to know the people there. I can also call in at any time unannounced to see how she is getting on (although it's better if she doesn't see me). If it's a good nursery, they should have no problem letting you do this.