To send DS to preschool full time?

[itisspring]

DS starts school in September so part of me feels like I should give him some time to himself and with me while I can and that it’s a bit mean. It also isn’t a cheap option. But OMG he’s driving me mad.

My 4yo goes to a school nursery, reception in September. He does 4 days at nursery (I work 3-4 days) and then we have Friday fun days. Is full time the only option?

Summer is coming, can you get outside a lot, garden, park etc?

What does he do there at the moment?

I flip from being gutted about mine starting school and wanting to make the most of every moment, to pulling my hair out in despair. 4 year olds are tough!

September is so close, the time will fly before you know it.

He already does three days as I work but honestly I’m finding him a nightmare on the other two days. It isn’t so much him as meeting the needs of both children (also have a younger child) exhausting.All I can think is that if he was at preschool today I might get a bit of downtime while the younger one naps ]blush)

If it’s a different setting with different people I wouldn’t, for such a short time.

sorry - just seen your update. If he knows the staff then do whatever you think is best. He’ll be fine either way

I agree with the first post. Can he go 4 days a week and have a fun day where you go out somewhere on the other day?
Edit: Cross posted so took out the question about how many days he goes already

Not soon enough! 😬

Are you a SAHM?

i’d cherish those days whilst you can as once they are in school you’ll get limited time during the week with him. Also summer coming great opportunity to have some fun days out.

Can you find a group activity to do with him? So at least it's not all on you

Ah you have a younger one as well. I don't think it would be unreasonable if he likes nursery!

I definitely don’t feel I can do what I can. I probably could if I only had the one but I have two sets of needs to take into account and I don’t feel I’m going a great job.

It doesn’t help that over Easter we obviously did a lot and then the bank holiday(s.)

I am farmed out. If I never see another farm in my life I will die happy.

Parks are all very well and good but don’t really take up that much time, especially as I need fairly ‘contained’ ones so that I don’t lose a child!

There are a few toddler groups my younger one enjoys but DS is too old for them. Then anything I could do with DS I can’t because of the younger one! I’m also absolutely wiped out today and if I could afford it would honestly send them both to nursery 😂

Sounds like your husband needs to do more.

Sorry or partner if you have one. But all conversations about mums being burnt out should address what both parties are doing to help. But also send your DS to pre school Ft if you want, he will be fine

I get it as I had a 6 month old when I pulled DS out of nursery the last couple of months before school. If you can afford to put him in full time then do it. Personally I was trying to save money pulling out DS when on mat leave.

Why don't you put him in for four days, then male the day you have a fun day when you go out and do something. Not sure what's around your area but I have a list of places ready to go eg softplay, zoo, museum, swimming pools etc make some nice memories for you all. Sometimes it's easier to thing of it like that rather than just figuring out what to do randomly which can feel like a drag.

Why would you put the eldestnin for an extra day (which he will find tiring) rather than putting the youngest in for a day?

I appreciate eldest may not nap, but he also won't drive you as mad if he's on his own because you can do so much more.

I would put him in 4 days and then have one day which is really focused on him and not younger sib. Can grandparents have younger sib on that day? To be honest, preschool may not be able to suddenly take him 2 extra days at this time. Generally we are trying to get younger children in so that there are some kids still around in Sept.

OP I was in this boat last year, so I totally understand where you’re coming from!
I would put him in 4 days a week so you only have 1 day with both of them.

Thanks. We survived today but it is pure survival and not particularly enjoyable.

I feel guilty all the time as I enjoy parenting so much when I only have one of them. When I have both of them I absolutely hate it.

My 4yo goes to preschool full time because it’s attached to a school and they require full time attendance. She absolutely loves it and is thriving. I wouldn’t feel any guilt OP if he’s happy there.

IMO it’s good for them to get used to full time in a familiar setting before going up to school. Also at this time of year he’ll spend most of the time running about outside with his pals instead of running you ragged so a win-win I’d say.

Also just to say, don’t worry, it gets easier with two as they get a bit older. It sounds like you’re right in the thick of it just now - I remember it well, it was rough!

I would compromise and pop him in an extra day. It's only half a term before he starts school.