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Original poster

Full time nursery for 3 year old?!

46 replies

JC2021 · 15/10/2021 15:36

Does anyone think full time hours at nursery for a 3 year old maybe too much?

My son started in September and does 3 mornings a week, 9 hours in total.

My husband is very keen for him to go full time early next year although I'm on the fence and leaning more towards not than yes!

Any advice on this? Personal experience?

OP posts:

CaptainMyCaptain · 15/10/2021 16:30

@AliasGrape

I've taught plenty of 3 year olds full time in school nursery. The majority thrive, but those who remained part time did just fine too. It really is a case of what you think will suit your particular child and family situation best.

Yes. This. It depends on what you need.

lechatnoir · 15/10/2021 16:33

There are vast numbers of children that go to nursery from six months old full-time right up until when they start school (& then often have wraparound care) who are absolutely fine without any ill effects whatsoever. If you need to go to work & your child needs childcare then of course that's ok. Is it the absolute ideal for a child? Probably not but then most people don't live in the ideal world. if it's purely for social interaction purposes then the 15 hours is plenty IMO.

ThreeGoingCrazy · 15/10/2021 16:39

Tbh it feels like one of those threads designed to start a bun fight.

Op: is it ever OK to make your 3 yo go to nursery time?
P: Obv, lots of kids do
P2:, oh well why have kids if you're going to put them in childcare all their childhood?
P3: Well why have kids if you won't support them financially
Etx

MerryMarigold · 15/10/2021 17:47

I have a feeling by full time that OP means 5 mornings/ 15 hours as opposed to 3 mornings/ 9 hours.

sunnyzweibrucken · 15/10/2021 17:51

my dd was full time (M-F) nursery before she was a year old. she LOVED it. she enjoyed being around other children as she wasn't very good at entertaining herself. so depending on the child i don't think full time nursery is a problem at all.

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/10/2021 17:51

Why does he think that’s the right thing?

Has she been in childcare before?

SandraOhh · 15/10/2021 17:54

What a ridiculous question. It's fine.

wombwithawiew · 15/10/2021 18:01

Children in France go to school the year they are 3. So some are in full time before they're 3. They seem fine

hotmeatymilk · 15/10/2021 18:02

lisaandalan · 15/10/2021 18:04

15 hours is absolutely fine, will probably also help him not be so clingy. X

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/10/2021 18:11

You’re upsetting people by being so general. I’m sure you know many millions of 3 year olds are in full time nursery.

If you want advice on your family set up then give a bit more detail.

You’ve posted in relationships rather than childcare so what’s really going on between you?

Does he want you working instead of being at home with her?
Is that something you’re avoiding?
Is he happy with how she’s doing at home with you?

Megan2018 · 15/10/2021 18:16

I wouldn’t do full time if I didn’t need childcare. My DD has been going 4 long days (42hrs) since 13.5 months. She loves it but if we didn’t work we’d do 3 short days eg 9-3 for socialisation.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 15/10/2021 18:21

My son went to a childminder full time. He was ok I was devastated but then I cant even leave my cat for the day without heart rending guilt.

seasidemafia · 15/10/2021 18:27

Just 3 or starting school next year? My DS turns 4 in Jan and does 21 hours over 3 days and doesn't seem overtired.

We also get 2 days together but I'm lucky to work part time.

waterrat · 16/10/2021 00:00

My daughter did 5 days 9 to 3 at that age. I liked it and it fitted with my son at school but if you don't need it then let her have her little time being with you still. They are gone soon enough.

Jesskir89 · 16/10/2021 00:25

Op i unserstand your reservations but he needs to prepare for school...

ATieLikeRichardGere · 16/10/2021 00:39

When you ask if you think it may be too much, I’m wondering what bad thing you are worried might happen?

AmanitaRubescens · 16/10/2021 00:44

I think full time nursery is too much at 3 and certainly younger. If you have no choice then he'll be OK but ideally I'd keep him part time.

CorianderAndCream · 16/10/2021 06:20

My partner was in full time nursery from six weeks old. It's done him no harm

PurpleSneakers · 16/10/2021 07:24

The thing is it doesn’t really matter what everyone else is doing. You know your child best & your family situation - what do you think is best? If you think no, listen to why you think this, write down your reasons and share with your DH. If your DH thinks yes, listen to his reasoning too and make a joint decision in the best interests of your child and family situation.

I personally wouldn’t leave these sort of personal decisions up to strangers input, who may not share your values, life outlook etc.

Notthatblunt · 16/10/2021 09:36

My 3 year old does part-time hours of 3 full days and 2 mornings. He loves it. But he is also quite clingy so we still get 2 afternoons a week of just us. I think we have the balance right although DH would have him go more often. But he's pragmatic about everything and doesn't really consider mine or his emotional needs

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