when should I but my twin boys in nursery

[Deeda]

we lurch from one childcare problem to the next! I work 3 days a week and have always had a nanny at home, to look after my identical twin boys with the plan of putting them in nursery when they were about two. Now that they are two, I have places for them in a lovely nursery from January (when they will be 2.5), but I'm wondering if I should wait until their three? Is there ever a good time to put them in? I thought it would be good for them to go, so they interact with other children (good for twins) and also I think they would enjoy all the other activities. However, the cost of nursery is so high, it is going to put a huge strain on us financially, also I will have to be home by 6pm to pick them up which sometimes isn't possible becuase of london transport (!) and there is no flexibility...which I think could be stressful! I'm now thinking perhaps waiting until they are three and putting them into the state nursery would be better....Help....any advice gratefully received!

In my experience I feel that whatever the age of the children they need to be ready to be left in that sort of environment. My daughter started at 8 months and loves it now and I have other children start at three (i'm a nursery manager)who also settle well. If you wait until they are three they will recieve the government funding so that may help out finacially a bit. It honestly comes down to if you think they are ready. why don't you keep a nanny and send them mornings only. They still get the peer interaction and you won't have to worry about getting home for six.

I'm a great believer in making things as easy for yourself as you possibly can - makes you less stressed, and more time to be a relaxed and happy parent!!

If your current nanny arrangement is working well, I'd be tempted to stick with it, and then book your DSs into pre-school once they're old enough to get the state funding. If they already have good quality childcare and are happy, do they really need to go to nursery? If you're worried about them interracting with other children, could you ask your nanny to take them to more groups and activities?