18 month DTs never been looked after by anyone other than me and DP. Is this a bad thing?

[minimisa]

My 18 month old DTs have always been cared for by me or my partner - and I mean for every second of their lives. Their grandparents are too elderly / infirm to do anything much and all our other friends / relatives have lots of children of their own to care for so can't really take on another two. I'm thinking of getting them some childcare from around 2 years but will this be harder for them because they aren't used to being looked after by other people? I take them out to friends / activities every day so they are used to socialising and being away from home. I'd be really interested to hear what other peoples experiences are. Thanks

My eldset was never left with anyone until she was 3 yrs old, even her dad...
If shes sociable enough, I wouldn't worry. It may be harder for them to get used to childcare though, my daughter hated nursery because of the separation thing.

S.x

due to circumstances, DD1 was never left with anybody else untill she went to playschool at 2.5. But she is very sociable, played with other children in parks and playgroups. She never had any problem mixing. 1st time I left her she didn't even cry. She did cry when I pick her up though as she didn't want to go .

my twins were the same. It wasn't because we didn't want to leave them with anyone- more because no-one volunteered! Also I stayed at home with them and gave up work- when I hadn't with ds- because we just couldn't afford childcare. I think it just happens like that with twins

mine went to nursery at just after three and they were absolutely fine fwiw- they did seem to enjoy it more that the other singleton kids starting at the same time

you'll only find out when you do it iykwim- all sets of twins respond differently. Sorry that sounds crap- I just mean that there isn't a right or wrong way!

good luck

That makes me feel much better mamaloco - hope mine are the same although my ego would be a bit bruised! And yes SpringHeeled, I think the problem with DTs is it's just too daunting for anyone but the most dedicated family members to take on...

My ego was a bit . She was the only kid doing that; and not just once! But twins have a thing of their own often as long as they are together they are fine (isn't it? I don't have twins)

Mine tend to fight viciously but I like to think they love each other deep down! Seriously, they do have fun together but also interrupt each others games and fight over toys much more when we're at home than when they're at playgroups etc. so in some ways they might even enjoy a bit of childcare I guess.

As a mum of 5.5year old twins I want to reassure you that they will probably enjoy themselves more than you realise. It will help them to take instruction from another adult and will give you a break too.