I feel so emotional about sending DS to nursery..

[Hogu]

I'm a sahm, tried for my little boy for too many years to count so didn't want to miss a day once he arrived! I decided early on to leave my work and be at home with him.

He's now 2.5 years and I'm sensing he's getting a little bored some days. Not everyday but definitely some days.
We do a lot together and are always out and about going somewhere new or to different parks, on walks, toddler groups etc.

I was always going to keep him at home until he started school but as times gone on and from what I've read and been told, he could benefit from starting a preschool if only to get him used to that kind of routine & socialising without me being there. I was going to start him when he turned 3 but the last few weeks have been a little trying especially now the tantrums have started!

Trouble is I feel really guilty admitting I'm thinking of sending him to nursery for a morning or 2 per week, I feel like I'm giving up or failing in some way.

I know a lot of people send their children to nursery from an early age and that's fine and I know a lot of people will think I'm bonkers and even look down on stay at home mums and that's fine too- please keep scrolling if that's you.

If there's anyone that can understand how I'm feeling and have felt similar, I'd really like to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

I know what you mean, but you have to put his needs first and children his age benefit so much from regular social interaction with other children. He will get so much out of bring in nursery, and you are facilitating that by sending him! That's brilliant!

As much as little boys need their mom, nursery is an amazing experience for them.
Even better is the cuddle you get at home time.
My son is 17 months and has been at nursery since he was 10 months old and I went back to work. His development has come on leaps and bounds.
The few hours will give you a chance to relax a little too.
You won’t regret it

He will love it, so many new things to explore and friends to make. I'd definitely go for two mornings though, much easier to settle in when it's not such a big gap between sessions.

I was in the same situation as you (DS long time coming, SAHM etc). I reluctantly started DS 2 mornings a week just before he turned 3 and he blossomed, after a month he asked to do 2 full days. He loved it and got so much out of it - became a lot more sociable and independent.
I met other DMs and our friendship group grew.
I won’t lie, those 2 days a week were also a god send for shopping, cleaning, admin, batch cooking etc.

If you think it’s boredom, do you go to plenty of baby/ toddler groups and fun activities?

I understand the feeling, even though I was back at work full time when DS was 6 months (DH looked after him full time) and in nursery 3 days a week from 12 months. It’s hard, and like you I worry about what I’m missing. On the plus side:
He does way more arts, crafts and messy play than I would ever do
He gets to socialise with other children - I’d never manage play dates 3 times a week
He learns routine, waiting his turn, sharing toys etc, which will hopefully be good when he’s older
I am a better parent when we’ve spent time apart because I miss him. Days when I’ve been at it since 5.30am, with tantrums and food thrown on the floor and all that - I feel stressed and tired in the evening. Work is a rest, and I get excited to see him at pickup time
His speech has come on loads

There is no need to feel guilty. Looking after children is hard work.

I’ve needed to use nursery because of working but I’d absolute put mine in if I was a sahm. Don’t feel guilty or feeling like your giving up on him. Your giving him different opportunities to make friends, learn new skills and prepare for school.