To not use my mum who wants to provide childcare?

[Revving5]

I really don't know if it's unreasonable of me

DS is going to nursery for 3 days a week (he's 1) while I'm at work. My mum is absolutely gutted and says that she wants to look after him, I'm really grateful for this, but I really want him to experience what the nursery can offer (healthy meals, the correct stimulation, interacting with strangers, learning to play with children his age, etc.) I just think it sets him up well.

We go and see my mum all the time in the week (I see her pretty much every day with DS, so it's not like she doesn't see him) and she kindly has him if I have a doctor appointment, etc. and as lovely as it is that they spend time together, I don't really want it for those 3 days too, not saying she doesn't do a good job!! She's a great nan, but I just worry that it's not like nursery at all.

I'm not being unreasonable am I?

OP follow your instincts and go with what you are confident with. From your initial posts your instincts seem to be pointing you towards nursery and that's absolutely fine. i got railroaded into accepting free childcare from a family member against my better judgement and the subtle strings attached actually caused so much stress and anxiety that it placed a far greater burden on our family (new parents feeling undermined and losing confidence, constant arguments about how to handle each new string that was attached, concerns for whether safety rules were being followed) than the cost of nursery fees ever could have. I eventually put my foot down and moved DC to nursery and DC enjoy a much calmer happier environment at home which will benefit them far more in the long term. Not all grandparents offer the same quality of childcare just like not all nurseries offer the same quality, so no one on here can actually give you an answer to this question as only you know the quality of the two options u r assessing. Have confidence in your decision.