DS3 and preschool - any thoughts?

[dinosaure]

DS3 is not quite two and is very clingy - he's never been looked after by anyone other than me and DH. He's been to a few toddler groups etc but isn't particularly keen on them, and absolutely refuses to be left in the creche at church.

I know that he'll be offered a place (mornings only) for 2-3 days a week at the very small, cosy, lovely nursery that both his older brothers attended. But I can't see him being ready for it at all.

Really don't know what to do. Anyone have any thoughts?

Surely he won't be starting nursery for a while if he's not 2 yet?

You know him best. If he's not ready what's the point (for either of you)?

I'd accept it, even if it means going in with him every morning for nearly a term (happened to a friend of mine - he got a place when he was 2.4). Her ds now adores pre-school and his mum'd happily leave him there 3 days a week if they had the extra day to offer.
It's good preparation for nursery too.
Any chance you can get him used to being looked after members of the extended family/good friends beforehand to ease him in?

you mean paid-for nursery?

I think I'd wait till he was over clingy bit and happy to be left unless I wanted the time to myself in which case I'd just take him

DD happily walks into DS's school nursery .. and complains if she's not allowed to stay .. she appears to be the kids' pet .. but she's 2 and they don't allow them to go till 3.5

Is it different in England? In Scotland nursery doesn't start until they're 3.

My DSis who is a playgroup manager thinks the nearer 3 they are the better.

DD will be going when she is 2.8 and she is very confident. She is allowed to go for a few sessions with DS before the end of the summer term. He wants to show her around before he goes to big school. They are very excited about being there together.

If your DS isn't ready - don't send him.

Thanks for that. I think I'm going to ask them if he can defer his place until he's at least two and a half. He really isn't a very confident little tot (and even DS2, who was super-confident, used to howl when I left him in the mornings!).