Sending older DC to nursery while on mat leave

[Muppet7410]

I pulled my son out of Nursery when I went on maternity leave due to not being able to justify the money. In hindsight I think I should have kept him in for to give myself a break and to ensure he is well stimulated for 2 days a week.

He is 2.5 years old and is very bright. With a newborn I can't offer him the stimulus he needs to progress.

However, I'm also conscious of causing him more disruption if I was to send him back. He used to be very clingy when I dropped him off but settled well once I left. I don't know what to do for the best. Any advice appreciated

I think you're being a little naive if you think putting him in Nursery will help him progress long term. All of the research says they're better with you until at least 3.

I'm not suggesting you keep him home and don't have a break but there's lots of stuff you can do together to help him develop

I'd put him back in. Then you get your time with baby, and then can focus on 2 year old when he is home

If its only 1 or 2 days a week then it might be better all round, you get to spend time alone with the newborn and your son can socialise and play with his friends.

I kept DS1 at childminders while off with DS2, partly because it was only 6 months, and also because I didn't want to lose the place. Each to their own.