Should I Reduce My 3.5-Year-Old’s Nursery Hours?

[MN7]

My 3.5-year-old currently attends nursery for 30 hours a week, from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Lately, I’ve been feeling that this schedule might be too long for her. She’s been getting sick more often, and several people around me have mentioned that this might be too much for a child her age.

She doesn’t seem particularly excited about nursery—she’s not unhappy, but she’s not enthusiastic either. I’m considering reducing her hours to 15 per week, perhaps splitting them over 2.5 days with the same timings.

However, I’m torn. On one hand, I think continuing the routine might help her adjust better when she starts reception this September. On the other hand, with only a few months left before reception, I wonder if it might be more beneficial to spend extra time with her now.

I’d appreciate advice based on your experiences. What would be the best approach for her well-being and development?

I don't think it's too much for them but I took my son out completely the March before school to spend more time with him over the summer and it was really nice. We couldn't go part time where we were but that would have been a good option to still have a bit of a break and him still see his friends.

If you don't actually need her to go 30 hours and it feels a bit much then absolutely reduce her hours and enjoy a bit more time with her before school. 2.5 full days sounds like a lovely middle ground where she's getting used to doing some full days in time for school but also having plenty of time with you.

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