I don’t want to put my son in daycare. Will it negatively impact him?

No it won’t affect him unless he would be getting better care at the daycare than at home

@Luz definitely will be getting better care at home 😊

My son is getting a lot of social interaction at daycare, that’s one of the big positives for us ☺️ but there are negatives too

My son started daycare in September and immediately his fine motors skills improved as did his speech. He's using complete and clear sentences. Things he refused to do/learn before he's excelling at. It all depends on the fit.

@Ellie that’s great to know thank you. Glad to hear he is excelling 😊

If he's already around other kids socially & you still plan on pre-k I don't think it will impact him at all.

If you socialize your kiddo I believe it is actually better for them to be cared for by a one on one caregiver for as long as possible. There is a reason pre k is limited hours.

I work in a nursery, I personally do not think it’s necessary and I won’t be putting my child into one even though I work in one. If you’re willing to put in the work, go to playgroups for social interactions, explore with your child do fun activities it will have the same impact. It’s all up to you there’s no right or wrong thing to do it’s your child.

I also have made the decision not to put my daughter in crèche and do the same activities you are already doing. Just want to keep my eyes on her

My kids don’t do daycare at all until 3yr old kinder. I take them out every day to classes and groups and sahm meetups. They are very social kids despite not going daycare but I’m a social extrovert myself

I think I would prefer for my daughter to talk and then tell me what is going on and articulate her self properly so I think waiting till she starts school Is better and safer

My son only goes part time as my husband is home all day every other week and I work nights. He goes for a few hours a day to an in home daycare with 2 other toddlers. I feel like there are benefits especially if its a good fit for everyone.

I agree with @Luz , as long as he is getting lots of opportunities at home he will be just fine. My son has been in nursery full time since 9 months, only because I need to work full time. He does great there and has learned so much and is extremely socialable, independent and confident. He also eats a lot better there and I believe it’s because he sits at a table with his peer group and they all copy each other. He’s almost 2.5 now and I have noticed an even bigger difference in him (especially his speech since starting in the 2-3 room). However, if I wasn’t working and had him at home I would be doing all the same things that you plan on doing. He will be absolutely fine not going to daycare so don’t worry x

No, it won’t negatively impact him. You definitely don’t need daycare to socialize. Play groups, swim lessons and friend meet ups are enough!

I work in a nursery and completely understand both sides of not wanting to but also the benefits they get! You hear of so many stories of things going wrong/experiences other mums have had - but there are some really great nursery’s out there and the children get so much out of being at nursery. The social side of things - the experiences they have like all the messy play, planned days like children in need/superhero day etc. it can be really touch when they are upset when they are settling and if they are meeting milestones when they are there (walking crawling etc). Have you looked into a child minder? Feel free to message me if you need any advice or if you have any questions! I’m going back to work in January properly (doing a few days in December to help us both get used to being away from eachother etc) and it genuinely makes me have every emotion but I feel once she is settled, she will have the best time! Xx

Children don't actually learn to socialise until closer to 3. Babies need a consistent, reliable caregiver (or as few as possible) and toddlers tend to play independently, parallel and then move towards more social activities (sharing etc) at a later stage. Also, you will undoubtedly be able to provide better care at home, with much more adult attention (as lower ratios) and more consistency (staff changes, holiday, people leaving)

Thank you so much everyone for your input. You have made me feel so much better about my decision 😊

Some kids do better when they’re with their parents, some do better with daycare/daily interaction. As long as you’re working on his manners, ethics, and social skills at home, I wouldn’t worry too much one way or the other!

Following for advice 🥰