to nursery or not?!?

[weegem]

Hi guys, this is the first time I have posted a question on mumsnet. I am is a great situation and work from home. I have a 21 month old son and we attend groups nearly everyday, which my son loves, but he doesn't get much time with other children as the groups are focused on the activity. All of his other friends attend private nurerys and their mothers say that they have come on so much since starting. I love him being at home with me but worry he is missing out on the social aspect. I'm in a dilema, any advice?

he is best off at home with you, just my opinion

what do you think he is missing out on?

How about taking him to local toddler groups which don't have an activity focus, and the children just run around whacking each other?

I wouldn't worry too much as he is probably a bit young to really play with other children just yet anyway. But if you would like him to have the opportunity, why not take him to some drop in play groups? In my opinion there is no great advantage to socialising without a mother there, and he can get the idea of taking turns etc just the same.

I'm not sure, he's a very happy child I don't know if it's that all of my friends are older than me and I feel infulenced by them that's silly isn'it!

Unless you need him to go to nursery, keep him at home with you. Of course other mothers say their child has come on since starting nursery. Tehey child would have developed anyway, and they are justifying theire decition to themselves.

I would advise not.

If you can, and you're in a position to do so, wait until he's three and you can have 12.5 hours for free.

My ds just started last week at 3.2. It's tough leaving him, he cries, etc., but he loves it when he's there (and I'm gone) and he's not there for long.

For the first three years of his life, he's gone everywhere with me. I work ... part time, but I've taken him with me. I still do. Now that's an education

A 21 month old will learn more from you at this stage in his development.

no not silly, i know exactly how you feel. i'm 25 and most of my mummy friends are 35-40. it does seem like they know better sometimes but then i just have to remember that actually i know what is best for my child.

honestly, i don't think socialisation without mummy is important until age 3/4. just my opinion tho

We have started to go to a toddler group just before xmas, which was great, I think he enjoyed it more than me.. I kept looking to see if he was alright, unfortuatly he did get slapped the first time we went, but it did'nt stop us going, we also go to a music class, an art group and swimming lessons! I think I'm covering all of his developmental needs!!

Thats just like me beautifuldays! they all joke on that I'm super mum, because I like cooking and making cards and creative things like that, we usually meet up once a week and I like to make them something nice to eat! of course that leads to some ripping!