Is Full Time Nursery too much for a 2 year old?? Feeling So Guilty.....

[lolavit]

Hi all,
I am a lone parent and have been offered a full time place on a Nursing course to start in September. However, to go I will need to put my 2.3 year old DD in full time nursery 8-6. Mon-Fri. At present I am a stay at home mum and I am in convulsions of guilt and worry about putting her into nursery for such a large chunk of the day... I mean: TEN HOURS!! I know that my DD is more than ready for SOME nursery and all that entails; I think it will do her the world of good - I just can't help thinking she is too young for such long hours.... Also, I will be doing placements a lot and will have to do shifts; my mum can have her then, but this will mean I may see her even less. What to do?? My other option is deferring for a year until she is 3 - but my Mum reckons it won't make any difference.

My dd is at nursery 4 days a week. She absolutely loves it. But she does get more and more tired, as she won't nap there, and I've realised that she does really need a holiday every now and again. Presumably you get time off your course, and can give her a break from it now and again. If so, I think your dd will be fine.

Think you should do the course - as previous posters have already said, you may well have study periods at beginnings/ends of days where you can spend more time with your child and when you work shifts you certainly get more time than if you work a 'normal' job...I've been working shifts since DS was 1 and although I pay for a full time nursery position I always keep him at home if I'm on rest days and if I work an early or a night I collect him at 2:30 and if I work a late I don't take him in until just before lunch - I get to earn a full time wage AND spend a minimum of 4-5 hours a day with him (only thing I miss out on is sleep, but I think that's pretty standard for most mums anyway!)

Good luck with it all

Hi Lolavit, don't feel guilty - my sister was in the exact same position as you, a lone parent starting a nursing course. Her 18 month old went in nursery full time for three years, and now she is a great 14 year old, very intelligent and still with a close bond to her mum. I say go for it.

if you find a nice nursery she will love it.
my ds loved his nursery and he started as a baby.

If you feel it is too much, how about mixing it up with a couple of days at a childminder.

I did this with ds when he was very tiny.

Your course sounds like a great opportunity and your dd will be proud of you when she grows up for making something of your life.

DS started at nursery as a baby. A lot will depend on the nursery, but I think he has better care than he would have received at home in a way - a bigger variety of activities and a bigger range of experiences. If the nursery is good, I wouldn't have any concerns at all.

I think as long as the time you have with her is quality and just about the two of you then you'll both feel happy.
The other thing is - spend the time finding the nursery YOU are happy with and that suits your child.
Goodluck!

Honestly? I don't think it is ideal but a lot depends on the child and Nursery I would say.

Go for it. I'm a lone parent and a student. DS has been going to Nursery (part time) since he was 10 months. It's been good for both of us - the relationship between a lone parent and an only child is pretty intense and I think both parties need a break from each other!
As long as your childcare is good I think your DD will benefit from being around other people and from seeing you happy and working hard towards your future.

I would put in her for maybe 3 days a week and ask your mum to help out the other 2 days.
I think ersonally full time at that age is too young.
You will be knackered with your course and being a LP too. How willing is your Mum to help out?

agree with everything MrsPorty says - part time will be beneficial to her at nursery definitely