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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it really that weird?

30 replies

Brunetteshel · 04/01/2025 18:28

That my 3.5 year old hasn’t been to nursery or had any other childcare apart from myself?

when you tell people it’s like they cannot believe it. Why? When I was a kid in 90’s most of us were at ‘home’ no? I only went to pre school maybe around 3.5 few mornings a week I think.

for context child has complex medical needs and has always been easier staying at home (we go out everyday but terminology) with them. Also cheaper me not working than paying childcare which is insane (central ldn)

will also probably home educate but that’s a whole other thread haha

OP posts:
Musicalmistress · 04/01/2025 18:40

Brunetteshel · 04/01/2025 18:28

That my 3.5 year old hasn’t been to nursery or had any other childcare apart from myself?

when you tell people it’s like they cannot believe it. Why? When I was a kid in 90’s most of us were at ‘home’ no? I only went to pre school maybe around 3.5 few mornings a week I think.

for context child has complex medical needs and has always been easier staying at home (we go out everyday but terminology) with them. Also cheaper me not working than paying childcare which is insane (central ldn)

will also probably home educate but that’s a whole other thread haha

I was a kid in the early 80s - we all went to nursery 5 mornings or 5 afternoons a week.
My DB had some medical conditions but still went to nursery in the mid 80s.

Tia86 · 04/01/2025 18:39

I don't think it's weird. Perhaps less common these days as often both parents are working.
My mum was a SAHM when I was little, like most of her friends, whereas now I don't know anyone that was able to afford to give up work and most are part time at least which is when childcare is needed.

Pandasnacks · 04/01/2025 18:37

Are you not eligible for the 30 funded hours? Do they socialise much with other kids generally?

Coconutter24 · 04/01/2025 18:36

I don’t think it’s weird. Both my DD stayed with me and no other childcare until they were 4 and went to nursery. I worked 2 days a week when they were little which meant I could keep them home and didn’t need childcare

LittleRedRidingHoody · 04/01/2025 18:34

Are they an only child? DS is an only child and is absolutely miserable without at least 2 'rounds' of socialising with other kids every day.

I grew up being home educated and would just press the importance of socialisation/playdates. I did not get that regularly and really suffered in terms of social development. I also think it's important they're used to other adults/don't grow too strongly attached to only you, otherwise there may be issues later on. I appreciate this is a delicate balance with medical needs too though.