AIBU to dare to suggest that children are better off NOT in nursery til 3?

[WeakAndMilky]

AIBU to NOT buy into the belief that exposing toddlers to every bug going is good for their immune system? Nurseries are terrible places for bugs and so many DCs spend half their time with D&V, colds, fevers, rashes etc. If you want an example of the 'constant cough/cold syndrome' look on Childrens Health!

True some parents have no choice and children do need to see other children. But they dont do much interactive play before the age of 3 and their immune system has plenty of time to build with more limited contact with other kids and adults.

My own DCs went only to playgroup weekly before school started, and they didnt collapse under the bombardment of viruses when they did go, just the usual minor stuff. My DD never had an antibiotic til she was a teenager!

Please dont bang on about having no choice due to work (you obviously don't have a choice) but there are plenty of mums who do have the choice and choose to send babies and toddlers to nursery.

The plural of anecdote is not data.

And your point is?

My dc go to nursery two days a week, the reason for that is really none of your business. I can't understand why you would get so upset about something that has absolutely no bearing on you or your dc.

I only know of one person who doesn't work and sends her dc to nursery, and really, that's up to her.

Why are you trying to wind people up op?

And are you a doctor, nurse, other health care professional?

Where is the research (data) saying it is good for kids to be constantly ill?

The point is why is everybody being shoehorned into a system that makes children ill?

They have dark satanic rituals too, they're worse.

YANBU to think that but you'd be U to suggest it to other parents, probably. Each to their own and all that. You're happy with the choices you've made for your DCs and that's all that matters, IMO.

Mind you, reading it back, I'm a little confused about your point. You say that children catch minor bugs from nurseries and also that your DCs caught bugs from playgroup. What's the difference?

I often thought that was the case, Hullygully. The whole point of me spending £600 a month on nursery fees for two days a week is simply to bolster my dc's immune system

Personally, I have many reasons for thinking that children under 3 are better off not in nursery, but catching the occasional cold doesn't come high up the list.

Quote of the day for me there New

YANBU - I think there's a lot of 'it's good for them' about various personal choices, my fave is 'it's good for their social skills' [hgrin] What utter bolloeaux. It is a personal choice and you don't have to agree with any of it Weak.

In answer to your title, yes YABU to dare suggest it.

For me, I prefer not to send DS to nursery/preschool, call it what you will - but I am lucky not to need to. And he goes (with me) to two playgroups in the week so still gets exposed to other DC and their bugs. So far this year we have had 2 - a rather long-winded cold (first Aussie one, fair enough) and the Evil Virus From Hell that we caught during the holidays, so nothing to do with playgroup. And passed it in quick succession to DH, MIL and BIL (all Aussies). Make of that what you will.

I am a nurse, and the first question I ask is 'are they at nursery' when they tell me they're DCs are alway unwell/coughing/vomiting etc, and 'its going round the nursery' is alway one I hear too.

I'm not winding anyone up, I just hate seeing so many sick kids and hearing the phrase 'its good for their immune system' who says?

yikes

OP you need to calm down

other people's choices are really none of your business

my advice to you?

two words

beak out

Fantastc news that your dd didn't have AB's until she was a teenager.
Nearly all of the illnesses you quoted don't need AB treatment anyway, so not quite sure what you're onabout.

Oh for goodness sake - I hope you have your fire-retardent clothing on? Alternatively, close the door on your way out.

PS congratulations about your uber-healthy DD... do tell us all the secret, won't you?!

I am going to leave this thread now, lest I start defending my choices and the happiness of my children. Which I am not prepared to do.

Meh. If I wanted to expose them to bugs I would send them to soft play.

My DS was at nursery for 4 years before he went to school. He was off once with illness - chicken pox.

Am not quite sure what your point is though

Am loving 'the plural of anecdote is not data'

My DCs caught minor coughs and colds and were better in a week, not the entire Winter like I see in some kids. I think theyre never able to fully shake one off before they catch something else!

I find it really worrying that a nurse is spouting such rubbish, may I suggest retraining?

what's your problem?

I was coming on to say I prefer a childminder environment for under 3s too. But I really have no opinion on your actual OP!

And if a nurse suggested to me that my DC where ill because I sent them to nursery I would be making an official complaint to the GMC