Spinoff to Going to Nursery post

I'm reading the other responses on the thread and I noticed that most are only going for a few hours a day.

I am a bit scared that we decided to put him full days as opposed to half days.

Should we have only started with a few hours at this age?

To the parents who are only sending their children a few hours a day, why only those hours?

Were there other options (longer hours)?

Did you think full days would be too much at 3 years old?

I'm really nervous as it is because DS has NO interest in going. He says he doesn't want to go, but my Mom needs a break. She can't watch him and my niece (same age) 5 days a week anymore.

My niece is very excited to go and I am hoping seeing her enjoy it will make it easier for him to adjust once he starts.

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Every child is different, but IMO, unless they are used to a full day in a daycare setting, I think a full-day of nursery will be exhausting at that age.

We did a gradual method with DD, at 3 she went 3 mornings, at 4 she went 5 mornings, and then the following year she went to full-day K.

Spinoff to Going to Nursery post

Can I just say I am sooo glad you posted this because I was so nervous reading the other responses. I put my DD, who will be 3 in July, Mon-Fri from 9-2:30 pm and now I am getting nervous. She has been around family since she was 4 months old. I put her in give my MIL a break plus I think it would be good for her.

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I am a SAHM, so I didn't see the need for an all day program.

My sons only go in the mornings, for three hours. The older one ( just turned 5) goes 4 mornings, the 3 year old for 1.

My mom used to watch my son when I worked full time until I left my job when he was 14 months. Our plan when he was older was to send him to school for a few days a week, it would have been too much for her to watch both of them all day, five days a week. Also - good for his socialization.

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Totally agree that every child will respond differently but I can tell you that even at 4, my DS would never be able to do a full day. Plus its to expose him to the whole school atmosphere, I don't need 3 full days to myself, ill have that when he's in kindergarten. I want my children to enjoy being kids before the demand of school is imperative.

I do believe too that since I'm a SAHM, there is no rush to do the full day programs or more then 3 days. Honestly, I looked for a 2 day program but it doesn't exist for 4 yr olds.

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Message edited 4/29/2013 2:00:38 PM.

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I'm a SAHM. i felt like a full day program would be too much for him to start out, since hes not used to being away from me that long. we'll ease him into it- he'll start 2 mornings a week next year, then when hes 4 it'll be 3 mornings a week, then 4 mornings a week the year before he start K.
EVery kid is so different- so your child might do fine with a full day. it might be a rough start while she gets used to it, but she'll be fine I mean if you think about it, there are plenty of kids who go to daycare full days, 5 days a week and they survive perfectly fine

Spinoff to Going to Nursery post

my dd is 3 and she is in two days a week for 2 1/2 hours... and honestly, she is tired by the time she comes home. I could not imagine her there all day. Next Sept she will be in the 4 year old class and that is 3 days a week same hours (2 1/2 hours). I think its a good bulid up.

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DS will be starting a 3's program and this will be his first time going anywhere without a familiar caregiver (DH/me, our parents, his nanny) so we thought it would be best to gradually ease him into it with 2 days per week and 2.5 hours at a time. Next year, we'll do the longer day and probably 3x a week depending on how he does this year.

I do think it's probably easier for children who are in day care already, and therefore used to being out of the house or away from familiar faces for the entire day. However, you know what's best for your child and it's nobody's decision but your own. No matter what you decide to do, your child will adjust! It's what they do.

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my son has been going to full day (8-530ish) daycare since 4 months. He is fine, loves it, gets bored without it. Your child will adjust and adapt and be fine

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Spinoff to Going to Nursery post

for me, i'm a sahm, its alot about money and the schools i'm looking at. some only offer certain times and some just get crazy. If it's decent $ and not crazy long, i would put dd in longer. right she goes 9-1 but i thinkshe could handle until2/3.

my friend ds is same age and he goes until 5:30. he's fine with it

Spinoff to Going to Nursery post

My DS is in daycare 9-11 hrs a day depending on our schedules. It's a long day but, they give them rest time in there as well and keep them rather busy.

It will take your DS some time to adjust but, he'll be fine. Is his cousin going to be in the same class?

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Most people that do short hours are SAHMs and don't *need* the childcare. If it's burning your mother out, by all means send him the full day. He will be FINE. Tons of kids do it each day. They eventually adjust!

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Ds will be going 4 days a week.
He is already use to it from daycare. He is really excited and he loves learning

However if i was a sahm i wouldn't be sending him that much. id probably do some half days or 2-3 full days

Message edited 4/29/2013 9:01:16 PM.

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Dd will b 3 in june n yes the option is there for full time but i dont feel comfy doin thst yet. She is still so young n needs to learn to adjust. Right now she goes once a week with my father. Next year i chose three days a week for 2 1/2 hours. Im slowly getting her ready for the following year when she is 4.

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The programs by me are 2-3 hours depending on age. Full day by be is considered daycare. I am a SAHM so there was no reason to put my girls in a full day. I think when you work you need to do a full day which is understandable, but I don't think a younger child needs a full day of school if you don't have to. Many kids get tired and cranky after part days. Most parents want to do extra activites with their kids which full day doesn't allow unless you add that on or do weekends. It isn't wrong to do full day it is an individual choice. I like the part day (dd#2 does 4 mornings 2.5 hours). That leaves afternoons for swim, dance, gymnastics, playdates etc.

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