feel like such a cow

[sherrardk]

I have just made an appointment to visit one of the two local nurseries to see if we like the look of it. The 'twins' would only go for two mornings a week from September but I feel really bad about it - its not like I work or anything. I know it is daft as they will (probably) love it.

[ummmm]

Don't feel bad...it's good for them.

[bednobs]

are you doing it so you can work? or am i right in thinking htere's another little one to look after too?

[redcrx]

yep, its good for them to start to mingle more with other kids. and its only 2 mornings.

[emmie]

you will be surprised how well they do, i am sure most will agree that interaction with other children is a good thing, and that you won't feel so bad when they finally go off to school, as you will have got used to them not being around all the time.

[yinyang]

My twins were with me every day for the first 2 1/2 years of their life and when I started them in playgroup I felt just the same as you do now. It's good for them - and for you - to get some time apart. They will have a great time.

I remember thinking my two would never cope without me , then feeling miffed that after a couple of weeks they were barely bothering to say goodbye, just getting stuck straight into the book corner.

[sherrardk]

Hi Bednobs - these are the youngest two so I wont have anyone that needs looking after (it will be awful when they go to school the following year).

[mumsie_wumsie]

Hi, my daughters three children have all gone to nursery from the age of 6 months (she had to go back to work), but it has done them all a power of good. It teaches them to share and to mix with other children and to be independent.It stops them being clingy with the parent, making life a lot easier when they are left with other family members. The youngest is now 4 years old and in pre-school now-and loving it, she starts full time school in September, and rather than mum dreading her going, she knows Ruby will be fine and is looking forward to going to BIG school.

[sherrardk]

i think I am probably being a bit selfish really. When the other children went to nursery I still had one (or more) of their siblings to look after. I suppose I can use the time to do jobs round the house (like proper cleaning - rather than just cleaning the bits that can be seen!).

[andy-hughes]

As a parent, it's all too easy to put an 'adult' perspective on your childrens' responses.

They cry when you leave them, so you imagine that they are whimpering in a corner storing up Oprah-esque issues mentally to scar them for the rest of their lives, and hating you for abandoning them so cruelly!!! You spend the entire day flagellating yourslef as an unfit parent and generally horrible human being.

The reality is, they stop crying about four seconds after the door closes behind you, and spend the day having a fabulous time playing with their friends, and getting a nice lunch and a sleep, before remembering you as you walk through the door to pick them up.

As advised, your kids will love it, and develop better as independent individuals as a result.

[coli05anna00]

its horrible, but they need it for their independance. much as we would love to keep them as close as poss we have to let go a little for their sakes. the time will fly, imagine what you can get done in the time they are away, and no one to be making a mess behind you while you're tidying up!!

[Lore]

You're doing the right thing, Sher. It's a step in the right direction for both their developmental needs and prep for what lies ahead the following year. Mine have been in nursery from 6 & 8 months.

If you're feeling bad, just think how extra special those sometime cuddles will be. It'll do you the world of good too, although, you won't know where those three hours go once they're in.

Chin up, :)

[jno]

they need to start socialising beyond the family sometime. They may or not cry the first time you leave them... but if they're really distressed by it, you'll find out soon enough.

[karenmac60]

Sher, on my daughter's first day at nursery she was to go in for an hour just to get to see the place. I went away for the hour and counted every minute till I could go and rescue her - but when I got there she locked herself in the Wendy House and refused to come out, finally screaming the place down when I managed to get a hold of her and drag her away! They'll have a great time and make loads of friends, and you'll get a bit of peace and quiet :)

[joggerjayne]

They'll be off to boarding school before you know it.

[ladybirder]

One of mine used to do as andy says. And he used to start crying again as soon as he heard me at the door to pick him up so that I'd think he'd cried all day.

[leanne_1987]

my daughter started nursery after easter shes nver been awayfrom me before n i sobbed when i left her she did too, but when i went back she was so happy and proud off herself, she still cries but its all for my benefi as soon as i walk out door she stops and goes off to play

[sherrardk]

Hi all - I think I am feeling guilty because they don't NEED to go. I know they will love it though. It has made me think about the boy twin as he doesn't talk (he is getting speech therapy) and this has made me think about getting something in place for when he goes to school as it can take ages to get a statement. If I am not happy that the nursery can communicate with him (although the lady I spoke to today assures me that they will train someone to be able to speak to him - I learnt my signing of Mr Tumble and the Internet, so it can't be hard) then they won't go. Just got to face up to the fact that the last of my babies is growing up!

[Brinjal]

Definitely good for them. Sign them up today