How often does your 2 yo go to nursery?

[Meandthebird]

I have recently had my second baby and in all honestly I am struggling with 2 at home. My little boy goes to nursery 2 days and pre school 1 day during term time. I am considering sending him full time but I feel awful like I should be spending as much time as possible with him as I won't get the time again. But my mental health is really being affected because they are both quite hard work and I am stressed constantly. How many days do you send your little one to day care?

My DD was going to a childminder 3 days a week until she just before her 3rd birthday. My DP was looking after her the other 2 week days.

She now goes to the childminder 2 days a week and nursery 3 days a week. The advantage is when nursery is closed the CM can take her for extra days. They take holiday at different times.

DD carried on going to nursery (private one so year round) 3 days a week whilst I was on maternity leave. She benefited from the routine, DS benefited from the 1-on-1 time with me and I benefited from the little break whilst she was there. It also meant she didn’t lose her place for when I returned to work too

If you can afford it I don’t see why you shouldn’t put him in nursery more whilst you all adjust as a family to an extra child

Hmmm full time is a lot for a 2 year old. And you don’t want him feeling pushed out, he will know the new baby gets to stay with mum. He’s already out 3 days a week.

Perhaps look at why being with the two of them stresses you so much. What could you do to make it more enjoyable?

I did 2 short days when on maternity leave with a 2 year old too. I think it's important not to change their routine shortly after a newborn arriving.

I recently got a full time job just as dd2 turned 2. I agonised over accepting it because it would mean full time nursery (she previously went 2d). I felt so guilty. I was prepared to hand in my notice immediately if she found it hard.

You know what? She LOVES it. She actually cheers as we pull into the carpark. When it’s the weekend and i tell her it’s an at-home-with-Mummy-and-Daddy day, she slumps her shoulders down like Kevin the Teenager and sighs dramatically.

Turns out mum guilt is, largely, inside our heads

I think putting them in full time is extreme when you don't need to but a couple of 5/6 hour sessions a week is a good balance for everyone

Oh god send him and don't feel guilty! I sent mine at age 2.5 as I needed some time to myself. It was free anyway so it would have gone to waste had I not!! 8:30-12 monday to Friday! It was bliss! And then when he came home he would have lunch and sometimes a nap 🙌

How old is the baby?

My not quite 2yo goes to nursery 2 days a week and I am on mat leave with the baby. The first few weeks/months were HARD! We did consider upping nursery days but it got a little easier every week and much better now the baby is settled, eating and sleeping well. So just wanted to give a bit of hope that it will get better!

They will both be at nursery 4 days a week when I am back at work.

If you've got the free funding or you can afford to do it send him in more of it helps! He will be well looked after and will come home to a happier mummy x