Starting nursery at 2

[S83M]

My DC has just turned 2.
I start a new job in a few weeks.
AIBU leaving a 2 year old in nursery for 3 days a week for 9 hours a day?
Suffering with mom guilt.
I am in the fortunate position were I don't need to work right now and wouldn't really be bringing much home after childcare costs.
Looking for insights.

No of course not. It's really good for them for a start to socialise with people their own age, learn a little independence & they learn so much. Not saying it won't be difficult in the beginning if DC has never been away from you before but it will settle.

Well I leave my 10 month old 5 days a week in nursery. I also have mum guilt. But it takes two people to pay our mortgage. So…

🤷🏽‍♀️

My 2 year old is in nursery for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. He loves it.

At 2 they will have the understanding of they’re going to have fun at nursery whilst you go to work.
there may be a few tears the first few times but they’ll soon settle in and have a blast

Do you judge anyone else who does the same? Presumably not, so show the same kindness to yourself. Yes it's tough the first few weeks but you will soon both get the hang of it.

Is this a joke?

Lots of people return to work 4 or 5 days per week after maternity leave when their baby is anything from a few months old.

Most 2 year olds go to nursery!

My two ds were in nursery for 3 days (10 hours each day) from 13 months. Had to pay the bills so... They both loved it though and great for socialising, getting ready for school etc.

The guilt at the beginning is real but tbh they used to practically skip (toddle!) in without a backwards glance so I'm sure it was much much worse for me!

No YABU. Or at least if you were, I was even more so and my DC (now older teenagers) have turned out OK. Mine were there for 3dpw for 9 hours from age 6 months. I too could afford not to work but just because we're parents doesn't mean our lives have to 100% revolve around our kids and I would not have been a good mum if I was within them all the time. They will be with you for much more time than they aren't, and they'll have the opportunity to bond with others as well. It's also good for them to see that it's not a mum's role to purely stay at home - though admittedly at 2 they won't be aware of it, but as they get older they will. As long as it's a good nursery, you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Both of my sons have been in nursery since they were 9 months old and they go 3 days. No issues whatsoever, it makes me a better mum having the balance of both 😊

Our 21 month old goes 3 days a week and adores nursery, we spent a long time choosing the exact right setting for us and that helped

I think the guilt is more, as I didn't go back to work until my eldest was 3, so feel I should give the same time to the youngest.

YANBU they’ll have fun, honestly they will, it’s not like they’re going full time either. It will do them and you good

No reason to feel guilty. Children benefit from nursery at this age. You will also benefit from returning to the workplace.

I think 2 is a good age to start nursery regardless of work situation. DC1 started nursery at 2y3m for 3 short days and I didn't work, it was to give her early years education and social contact (and I got a break too!). She absolutely thrived there. I'll do the same with DC2 when she's 2y4m (slightly later age due to start of term dates).

I can understand where you’re coming from but if a very high quality nursery and you’ll be happier then I would say go for it. I was quite reluctant about the idea of sending DC to childcare before 3-4 but with our youngest and lockdowns, nursery seemed the better option than long days at home with a bored baby. The separation was hard on us both but overall what dc has gained has been quite positive and worked out well career wise for me too. However a mother who is quite happy with dc at home just going out to groups etc is great too and probably the best thing if that what she feels is right

My just turned 2 year old goes to nursery 3 days a week for 10 hours and LOVES it. She asks if it’s a nursery day, runs in smiling not looking back, does loads of crafty / messy stuff we don’t really do at home, and is starting to get her first self selected friends. I think there isn’t a downside to it to be honest except the cost and the menu is a bit beige! I do have to go to work while she’s there though…but I’m not pulling her out whilst I’m on my next mat leave.

I put mine in full
tine nursery at 6 months
must be a shit mum
so shoot me

( they are now well
adjusted smart polite 17 and 15 to do can’t have been that bad )