Some opinions please...I don't want my kids to go to nursery.

[GrrrlInterrupted]

Do you think it matters?

DS1 is coming to the age where i'm meant to be thinking about nursery school for him, but i don't want him to go.

I'll be working 3 days a week, and he and DS2 will be with a childminder. They'll have experience of playing with other kids there (DS1 already has, and he's quite confident)and i intend to take them both to a playgroup once a week aswell.

We read, draw and paint at home, and the 2 weekdays i'm home, i want them with me.

So, in your opinion, am i being selfish? Will they be at a disadvantage by not going to nursery?

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No. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. School comes around all too soon.

nope.

You know your kids. If you feel that they "need" nursery, send them. If they don't "need" nursery, don't send them.

no.

ds (3.10) hasn't started nursery yet, he might start after the summer (but probably not). He is perfectly happy, sociable and I don't have to spend all day taking him to nursery and back.

always to have everyone agree

he's got years of school ahead, and the thought of nursery is depressing. I know a little girl who's going to school full time in Sept, and she's so tiny! The thought of her in a uniform is all wrong imo.

always good to have everyone agree

No. Do what suits your family best.

No, you are not being selfish - do what is right for you. I will not be sending my kids to nursery, and school is debatable as well!

Ditto Queen Meercat. Very dubious about the benefits of either.

I am a SAHM and my youngest DD goes to nursery for 3 mornings a week. I wasn't too bothered if she went or stayed at home with me but thought I would try her to see if she liked it. If she didn't, no problem she could stay with me. She absolutely loves it and is thriving.

However, the difference between me and you is that your DS goes to the childminder and has interaction with other children. My DD wouldn't get that interaction as much with me at home.

Anyway, what I'm getting round to saying is stick to what you're doing at the moment. As long as they are happy, there is no problem. Stop worrying

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Disagree with Pitch - emphasis on 'learning' at Pre-School is still very 'play based'. Mathematical skills are very simple counting, weighing and measuring. They do a bit of phonics but aren't blending to read simple words. Can't see how a child is academically disadvantaged by not attending Pre-School!

I think the main advantage of Pre-School is easing the child into gaining more independence from his main carer (especially where the mother is a SAHM), acquiring social skills from mixing with a peer group and learning to focus on tasks, concentrate and sit still and quietly to listen to the play leader for short periods.

Your son has the exposure to his peers at his childminder and at playgroup, he is able to 'separate' from mum already because you work, and I think it is perfectly valid and not in the least disadvantaging him to spend your 2 weekdays off with him

Another advantage of nursery is that it has a routine similar to school and children get used to that. Just small things like outdoor play at particular times, having their own peg, etc, but I think it makes it easier to settle at school if they've been used to something similar. Also, they make friends at nursery who will go to the same school and I'm sure it helps to have familiar faces on the first day. My two have both done every afternoon in nursery and have absolutely loved it. I'm a SAHM and put them in for their benefit, not because I needed to work or anything. Your child will not be disadvantaged if he doesn't go but he may well miss out on a lot of fun and positive experiences.

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