Is it better for my 18 month old to stay at home with me or go to nursery?

[HopeNope]

Just that really, I am fortunate to have the option to look after my DC (18 month old) at home or put him at a nursery once a week.

Which one would be better for him? Does he need nursery to build social skills etc or will that come later?

My DC at the moment is unusually clingy, and is an only child too, so not used to other children and not getting attention when requested.

I've been visiting lots of nurseries/playgroups as I aim to put my twins in for 3 mornings a week when they turn two next month. I've seen lots of Montessori places and regular nurseries.

I initially just wanted 1 or 2 mornings as I believed it would be better for them, less stressful, less change etc. but all the settings recommended 3 sessions a week as they observed children struggling to settle with anything less.

I think my twins will benefit as I'm pretty sure they're under stimulated with me .

Children do significantly better if the childcare they receive is of a consistently high quality and their home life is disadvantaged.

Lots of one to one adult interaction is the best way for them to learn language and problem solving and the flexibility to allow a child to follow their interests is priceless and much easier to deliver at home than in group childcare in most cases.

At this age, children learn from the adults caring for them, rather than their peers so more limited adult interaction isn't going to be a better option.

Obviously every morning with an enthusiastic nursery practitioner who offers lots of varied messy play activities is going to be better than every morning at home in front of the TV with a mum who is glued to her phone.

Decent nursery provision isn't bad for children and it's far better than home for some but it isn't better than being at home with an engaged enthusiastic adult who gives them lots of varied life experiences while talking to them and taking an interest in how they explore the world around them.

Nursery but I'd do two half days instead of one full day.

Which is better for you? He doesn't NEED to go to nursery, but you say it's once a week? Maybe you could do with the break and it will be perfectly fine for him either way.

My DS (third child) didn't do any nursery until just before he started school - most sociable well adjusted child imaginable, but I was relaxed by then - great mum network, lots to do, happy in myself. With both DDs I couldn't have coped and would have been a much worse Mum without a bit of a break due to nursery time

What's your gut feeling op? Go with that.

I went back to work full time so had to send dc to childminder but if you are happy and you want to keep them at home, lots of benefits to that too.

If it might give you a break and refresh or you feel it will help child socialise, send them. I personally like dc getting interaction at cm as speech etc is developing rapidly.

I love my 18 month being at nursery part time, she gets to do stuff like messy play, build dens, play musical instruments really loudly etc so they have lots of ideas and inclination to do things I wouldnt! so it depends on the nursery and you but no one can tell you what to do. Good luck

Thanks everyone.

Gut feeling is a no, but then I think I'll probably say that when is 5 too!

I'm going to go for another longer stay visit and see how that goes.

Ds started a few mornings a week just after he was 2 - he has really benefitted and it was the right time for him. 18 months I don't think he would have been ready. So from my experience I would give it a few more months.

If I had my time again- I wouldn't of placed DS in a nursery at such a young age- he was 1 and a half then.