Settling a 2-year-old in nursery...help!

[Maria101]

I've always worked from home and have a part-time nanny, so my 25-month-old has always had one-on-one care (she goes to groups every day). However, I want her to socialise more and have a couple of 'structured' days a week so I'm putting her into nursery two days a week. A few people have said that it's harder for older toddlers to settle than, say, an 8-month-old who isn't as aware. I've got her into a really lovely nursery with a good reputation and I loved it when I visited. However, I'd love some tips on making it an easy transition (if there is such a thing?). We're having a home visit with her key worker next week, then three days of settling in (where I stay with her for an hour, then the next day just 20 minutes, then the next day 10 minutes etc). Does anybody have any experience of settling in a 2-year at nursery?

That sounds like a reasonable plan. However, if the two days are just about you wanting her to socialise, then I would wait until 3yrs. Children aren't really social until at least then.

If you just want her to have experience of different environments and/or you just need the time alone, then I would seriously consider two half days, building up to include lunch. This will make for a smoother transition.