Is nursery a good idea for an 18 month old?

[mountainboo]

I will shortly be starting college for 7.5 hours per week over a 3 day period and we have been contemplating enrolling our son into a nursery for this time.

He has only ever been in our care so we are dubious to say the least. He has socialised with other children and has shown signs of enjoying independence when I have taken him to toddler groups.

I have read that children can become emotionally damaged from separation at this age. Obviously I have read positive views as well.

I would really appreciate the views of Andy Hughes and Redcrx and anyone else who has an opinion about this topic. TIA

[andy-hughes]

My view - backed by the present Mrs Hughes who has thirty years of primary education experience, is that most children benefit from nursery education before school.

Nursery teaches little ones to socialise, and share, and enjoy independence, and makes the transition into school far less of a trauma than those who have never been out of the house before.

Remember, it's not a contract for life - if your sone doesn;t settle, you can try another nursery, or move him out of the systme until he is primary age. From what you say though, he will probably thrive on the challenges anc changes.

You wouldn;t be human if you didn;t worry about the effects on your child, but we are talking nursery here, not going down a mine, so don;t be put off my the negative press on this issue.

Give it a try, and rest assured that you will fret far more on his first day than he will! Keep us posted, but I do believe it is a good move for your child.

[redcrx]

hi MB.

well I havnt any direct experience of nursery at that age, little CRX didnt go until he was almost 3.

But he and his sister have always spent 2 days a week with my mum whilst i go to main office and have stayed for weekends and not worried one bit about me leaving them.

7.5 hours a week tbh doesnt not sound like a lot to me, and many children go full time nursery 8-6 from a much younger age with no obvious seperation problems. I know a lot of children who have developed just as little crx has even though he was at home with me (whilst i worked) and they were at nursery.

dont forget that a good nursery will be experienced in helping a child settle and it could also be a great way for him to learn about other children and to play with others.

[LoftyLottie]

Don't forget Andy that because a child doesn't go to nursery it means that they are stuck at home with Mum, quote " never been out of the house before"! Most good Mums socialise with others and see that their children do as well -there are toddler groups and playgroups and kids go to play with other kids or stay with relations. Kids are socialised with a broad section of people. Kids can be well prepared and independent before starting school,

Personally, I don't like nurseries, but see that for some they are essential. I don't feel that being stuck in a nursery environment all day with a few adults and a lot of other little kids is preparing children for the outside world. I don't think they learn enough about real life.

To me there are far more cons than pros for putting the very young in a nursery environment.

However, 7.5hrs is not very long and will probably be just fine as long as a nursery is well vetted.

[roomster]

Id just like to say that my son started nursery at 10 months old, i feel that this was quite late as he was very aware and clingy.

He only goes one day a week and I wouldnt want him there for much more but i have to say its been the best thing for him.

He now runs in calling Helen (Travis' Key worker) and loves it. He has some much fun, they do loads with him and his speech is excellent for his age.

Nursery would be great you you i believe as have aothers have said its only a fews hours a week.

Give it a go but it will take time for little one to settle, but worth it in the end.

[andy-hughes]

Fair point Lottie - I typed without thinking my opinion through completely.

I would not wish to suggest that any child not at nursery is undergoing some sort of deprivation of company and stimulation, I should have made my view clearer, thank you for pointing that out.

[mountainboo]

Thanks to you all for your input. It helps to know your opinions.

I have compiled a list of questions to ask the prospective nurseries... oh they are lucky ha ha!

[sherrardk]

Just wondered, what would you do with him if you didn't take him to a nursery?

PS - I personally think that the right nursery can be brilliant for kids - the one that my 3 year old goes to is absolutely brilliant but it is more of a pre-school than a nursery. It is only open in term time and then it is only 9.15 to 2.45 but it is absolutely excellent and she loves it.

[mountainboo]

Thanks Sherrardk. Originally both my husband and I agreed that he would look after our son as he works from home, however he will shortly be starting a degree with the OU so we thought nursery may benefit both us and our LO.

[vicki09]

i didnt want to send my children to nursery because of all the negative things you read about them, but after looking around some nurserys i realised it was other peoples opinions and not my own.
Can i ask have you never thought about a childminder? My children have 13month between them and could prove to be quiet challenging when together at nursery, i eventually after viewing many nurserys and childminders decided on the childminder as she had more one 2 one time with the children and had them doing things they would at home ie shopping but still taking them out to mother and toddler groups they loved it and i loved her lol she was a godsend!
Althogh i would recommend veiwing several until you are happy, if u get in touch with the local childrens centre they should provide you with a list of all the good childcare provisions in your area.
Good luck and i hope ur child is very hapy and settles well into your choosen childcare arangements.

[tequilamock]

My daughter started going 1 day a week at 9 months. She now goes 2 days a week (at 2) and I'm considering full time. It has been wonderful for her! She is so much more advanced than other children her age and she LOVES going!