Send your kid to daycare he said...ETA

[Anonymous]

My sons pedi advised us to send our LO to daycare so he can develop social skills. He was 13 months at the time. I feel like I'm depriving him of that but everyone around me says he is doing great and is best at home with me. We are living comfortably enough for me to stay home with my LO and I want to know how many mamas did NOT send their children to daycare or anything of that sort and had kids with fine social skills. Should add he does not have any cousins and is the first born of his generation. We're waiting on family to bring more kids into the family.



ETA: I looked into some of the options mothers gave. The local YMCA closed in may of 2012 here, and our library does have story time. I found a Montessori play group, and contacted them. I had no idea this post would become featured. It's going to take me a while to reply but thank to you all of you mamas who remained respectful.

[mattiehatter]

What about setting up a play date? 

[ksueditz]

My older 2 did, my younger3 did/do not. My dd7 was extremely shy when she younger, so we put her in dance, she was around kids her age, but only once a week, for 45 minutes. You might try something like that, if you're worried?!

[livric]

I find it so rediculous that our kids are expected to be all educated and ready to go before they are even 4 years old!!!  why cant LO'S just be kids!!!  It is all, teach, teach, teach,  do better, act better, know your letters and numbers and be perfectly socialised by age 4 or younger.   It is just so sad for the little kids that even at 13 months old have to be "socialised" and put into daycare.  I mean, it is nuts and it has gone way too far.  I get wanting the best for your kid and wanting them to do well, but come on, let em just be kids..

[baquick]

Ds does better when he goes to daycare one day a week. If our schedule Falls in a way that he doesn't go that week, he gets restless moody etc no matter how many play dates I go to. Especially in the winter when he has to stay inside more.
That being said, you know what's best. :-)

[itsm3]

i'm not against daycare at all however to answer your question, my first exposure to a big social group similar to daycare was JK when i was 5.... and i'm fine.  i was fine all through school etc.  either way, your kids learn how to socialize whether they go into daycare younger or start when school starts. 

[Not_A_Native]

Two of mine went to daycare, and two of mine didn't.

My first (in daycare) was and is incredibly social.  2nd one - also in daycare - isn't.  Third one - no daycare - very social.  Fourth one - no daycare - not very social.

And good luck waiting on family.  My one brother didn't have any kids til my kids were much older.  My husbands sister - same thing.  You can't depend on family to provide playmates.  So if there aren't neighborhood kids, or friends of yours with kids he can be around - yeah, maybe your pedi has a point.

[Kris_PBG]

In my area formal daycare centers only do full time daycare for 1 year olds - and that runs $200 (or more) a week.... wonder f your ped. Understood he just gave an $800 a month recommendation...

My kids did go to daycare - but I see no need for yours to op. Find a local playgroup and join it!

[beans13]

My daughters daycare runs a nursery program. It is 2 hours a day 2-3 days a week. Great for socialization. Not for parents who need child care because of they short time. This is for parents who want their children to have the experience. Maybe look in to something like that?

[jdy9440]

I run a daycare, but didn't send mine to daycare, ( which was before I started it) and they are fine too.

[jedwards2009]

I think as long as they get social interaction. With other kids they are fine without daycare. If you really feel guilty about it and feel like he needs it then just do it one or two days a week or something.