2-Year-old, 1 Day Preschool or Nothing?

If you have a hundred bucks to spend why not find a teenager who could come after school twice a week while you take a bath or read a book or garden or something. The schools and churches usually have lists, you don't have to go anywhere and I am sure twentyfive dollars would make someone very happy. It would just spread out your four hours differently. Sometimes that's all you need. You definitely need 'me' time even if it's just to shave your legs and cut out a couple of coupons and it sounds like the father ??/is he working a lot? since he can't help you can feel around what you'd like to do...then suddenly they are older anyway.

Preschool really isn't ideal for twos. Some may disagree with me, however, I would wait a bit. My son was 2.5 when he started with me at my preschool and really was a bit 'behind' the other 3 year olds socially.

Usually, when someone asks about preschool, I suggest waiting until three years old, and then going for at least two days a week. If you are wanting some child care support, I would suggest having a nanny come in to help you for a day a week or one-two mornings so you could do some things you would like to do. Or a mother's helper to come in for a couple hours during the afternoons?

I would spend your money on a mommy's helper or a sitter one day a week rather than send him to preschool for one day. Whether the actual school would be good for him really depend on the kind of school it is... Is it a play based school where they mostly have free play and only a little structured time or is it a full-on preschool with lots of structure and academics? If it's the latter, I'd definitely wait until he's at least 3. And, I'd try to make it for 3 days a week if you can. 1 or 2 days is just confusing for little ones and it's really hard for them to acclimate.

There are lots and lots of stimulating activities that a sitter (or you) could do with him to keep him for being bored and to add quality time to the time that you spend together.

But in all honesty, your post sounds like you just need a break to recharge. Not a single thing wrong with that. Having someone come in might give you just what you need.

I sent my son to preschool two mornings a week when he was two, and he had a hard time of it. He was too young to have a concept of weeks, so to him, any day could have been Thursday or Friday -- he never knew when the dreaded separation was coming. It was also a co-op preschool, and I volunteered once a month. That sounded good to me, but to him, it just added to the unpredictability of things. He'd always ask if I would be there as a "snack mommy," and the tears would just slowly well up in his eyes when I said no.

He did much, much better when he was 3, after I returned to work full-time. Then, he went to a very sweet, nurturing Montessori school 5 mornings a week, and school was just what he did.

So, on the basis of this highly unscientific sample, I'd recommend waiting until your son is older and can go for more days.

My daughter took my two year old grandson to a daycare for one morning a week. She was also looking to have some "me time". She was quite concerned, as he had never been away from her and would panic if she just left the room! He also, at the age of two, was not talking. Had never even said mama. (He was seeing a specialist). The first few weeks were rough, as he cried quite a bit, but by the end of the first month, he was loving it. After the second month, he was talking up a storm and hasn't stopped yet! He learns all kinds of crafts and how to share with others. Those 4 hours were just what my daughter needed as well. I'd highly recommend that you give it a try.

What you're describing is exactly what Mother's Day Out is. They come 1-3 days per week for a few hours so the mom can go to OB/GYN appointments or to the grocery store, the beauty shop, etc...it's time for the mom to know the kids are well taken care of and that you have that free time to take a nap, wash the car, what ever you want to do for that time.

It's good for the kids, not bad.

Kids need social interaction at any age. Even if it is one day a week. You definately need some alone time. You need to be a happy, healthy mom if you want to teach your kids to be happy, healthy kids. I say go for it. If it doesnt work out, you can always stop taking him.

There's nothing wrong with him going one day a week. If you were working, you'd have someone taking care of him for 5 days a week full time.

However, if that 4 hours time with the baby is going to turn into 2 hours because of all the trouble of getting to and fro, I'd get someone to come in and play with him, like a mother's helper type thing. That way you don't have to get in the car.

Dawn

We did coop at age 2 and it was wonderful for both of us.

depends on what you want.. sounds like you want a break.. if you want abreak....hire a sitter once a week to watch both babies at home.. so you can go grocery shopping and out to lunch all by yourself.

a lutheran church nearby has a mom and tot 2 year old class. the kid gets the benefit of the preschool experience with the safety of mom in the same room.. the infant could go to the childcare at the church.. this mom and tot class is 1 day a week for 2 or 3 hours..-- i bet tehre is a similar church nearby for you.

I know how tempting it must be, but I wouldn't do it. You deserve to have a little alone time with baby as well (I'm sure you get alone time with toddler because he was first, and while baby sleeps, etc)...

It seems so young, though. There must be another way for you to get some alone time...hubby, other family member, in house sitter, etc.

I definitely think having the four hours without him each week will be good for you. Whether you choose preschool or a babysitter is up to you.

I think going to preschool just once a week may be kind of tough on your child and on the teachers. Everyone else will likely be there at least twice a week, so they will all learn the routines and feel more comfortable. Your son might struggle a little if he's only going once a week. I would consider a sitter or nanny.

My son (2.5) has been going to a 1 day/week preschool program this year. It is not as expensive - probably $250 for the whole semester, but it is only 2 hours a week.

It has been interesting. There are some good things - he gets "socialized" with other kids and other adults, starts to learn the ins and outs of a "school type" setting (which they don't necessarily need, but is good practice if available), etc. The down sides are like you mentioned, that it is only one day a week and I find that my son is VERY outgoing at home with us or when at family houses (grandparents, aunt/uncle/cousins), but is quite shy at school with people he is not that familiar with. I think it is good for him to be there, but also wish it was more often for his "comfort level" sake.

During this time, I sometimes have younger kids in tow - I babysit. But even with them along, I still find the time relaxing as I can go to the store (cleared with their parents of course) or when it is just me, I relax at the store or go to an exercise class, etc. Even though the time is short, it can be rejuvenating.

I think a lot depends on the personality of your son too. How is he separating from you? My son has always been really good. Some weeks are harder than others, but I think it is good for him to be under the direction of other adults other than just me - he doesn't go to day care at all so this was my opportunity to get him exposed to other things.

I am an early childhood guru so I give him a lot of that stuff at home, but I can't give him everything - the extra kids, different adults, etc. So, I thought that was a benefit for him. Plus, it gave me a little break.