Should I send my DC to nursery?!

[namechangeagain07]

Sleep deprived overthinking brain won't switch off.

My DS is due to start nursery soon- he will be almost 18 months. Have read a thread on Social Media and some nursery workers have commented on how they wouldn't send their own kids to nursery based on what they have seen/ experienced at work. Things like children being left to feed themselves even though they can't, not being properly looked after, lack of care and compassion etc.

So now I am thinking about not sending him to nursery and looking at alternative options.

How have others found nursery for their children?

Any nursery workers willing to offer their opinions?

TIA

It all depends on the nursery. We used a highly recommended nursery and have no issues. They do a great range of activities and have no problem supporting the children appropriately. You will also find they encourage independence faster than at home but that’s no bad thing

I suppose the first question is what are you looking for and why? Do you need childcare for work or to save your sanity? Or are you doing it because you think he will gain from it.

@ohmeoh I'm sorrry- I don't understand it to the point I don't know how to express my lack of understanding! You ask whether there can be unity and privacy at the same time. I don't understand this in the context of secularism. Unless you have understood religion as having no place in public life to mean there
should be no community of people of faith-gatherings, churches-things like that?

Sorry- wrong thread!

What are your alternative options?

I think the right nursery can be really positive in terms of socialising, independence and development. But if it doesn’t feel right you don’t have to. You could look at childminder if you prefer a home setting with fewer children.

Nursery has been a god send for my child.
From development, speech to him eating everything.

All depends on the nursery I think as to what happens/is it good enough etc

How do you feel about the nursery you've choose?

some are good, some are awful

Why are you sending him?

I don't think it is very fair for nursery workers to act like all nurseries are the same when it is clear that some have just worked in one bad nursery.

There's so many wonderful, highly recommended nurseries out there too. I love my baby's nursery, they are so good with him and my baby just adores his keyworker.

I think in general that nurseries are better for dc once they are over 2. They are more verbal and independent by then, can communicate what they need and tell you a bit when they get home. They become more sociable from then, so the interaction is good for them. I'd say a nanny or childminder is better for under 2s as they can get more consistency and individual focus.

My dcs were in nursery from 2y3m, 3 days a week, and it was brilliant for them. Bit I wouldn't have sent them any younger.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The reason for sending him is for the social interaction, different things to do- I'm not sure if he gets bored at home, change of scenery etc. there is also some family pressure- 'when does he start nursery' etc etc. mil was 'encouraging' us to send him at nine months as her daughter did so, but we were adamant this wasn't the right decision for us.

I am quite happy to take a career break. I can't and currently don't want to progress further in my career, so quite happy to do this. My mum could also have him one day a week.

Mine didn't go to pre school or nursery. I was lucky that I had the choice. But many people don't. And many people who have the choice choose to use nursery! There is good preschool provision and crap preschool provision. Don't believe anyone who tries to tell you it's all the same. Also don't believe anyone who it's essential either!

Personally if you don't have to send him I wouldn't at 18 months. Both my DC went at 9 months because I had to go back to work. No complaints about the nursery at all, it really is lovely. However until about 2 probably more like 2.5 years I don't think it benefitted them. They didn't particularly like going and didn't interact a huge amount anyway, the over tired tantrums after pick up were pretty miserable too. I'd probably wait at least another 6 months, are there local toddler groups/classes you could take him to instead for some interaction/ change of scenery.