Daycare for Socialization?

[Anonymous]

DD is 22 months old.  She's an only child and has no relatives within 15 years of her age (cousins, etc.).  We found a highly recommended daycare right down the street that we're contemplating enrolling her in for two half days a week, for socialization purposes (I'm a SAHM).  Has anyone here done something similar?  What kind of results did you have?

ETA: We have story hour once a week and a mom's group, but that's only a couple total hours per week.

[LaughingTattoo]

Both my girls attended preschool primarily for socialization

[kiralyn]

At that age I'd just go to mommy and me type play places, the park, indoor play places at the mall and what not.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Quoting kiralyn:

At that age I'd just go to mommy and me type play places, the park, indoor play places at the mall and what not.

We do that stuff now, but it doesn't seem to be enough.  She's a poor sharer and fairly aloof.

[aprilz1225]

 YES! i have been a SAHM since my son was born. Tried and mc several times. I spent soo much time with him that it was not good for us (him/me) he cried constanly if i left a room even to Pee. so i placed him in day care 1/2 days 2-3 days a week. to at least get some house work done. it was only an hour and a half but, with no sibs and family on the other half of the U.S. it was a God send.  had fantastic results with him and me. he was 9 or 10 months. he need to interact with other children his age and other ppl other than mom and dad.  he is now 7!

[Lydia-Marie]

This is what i plan to do for my kids. They are 14 months and 2 years. They both have rather severe separation anxiety and I want to ease them into not being with me slowly. I plan to enroll my dd in preschool in the fall, she will be 3. They both get along with others but I'm worried that dd will freak when going to school. It will also give you some time for yourself, and that's always healthy. I think one or two half days is a good idea.

[mommyrustina]

While socialization is important, I think that daycare is the worst form of socialization. Why not do some mommy and me classes, playdates, tumbling, and time spent at the park. Children need experiences with people of all ages, not 8-10 other children their exact same age in a regimented setting.

[Anonymous]

Lol, that is because she is almost 2. Very normal behavior. Day care won't fix that. In fact, it could make it worse!

My opinion, why pay money for something that you can get for free? Mommy and me and other play dates is enough, especially at that age :)

Quoting Anonymous:

Quoting kiralyn:

At that age I'd just go to mommy and me type play places, the park, indoor play places at the mall and what not.

We do that stuff now, but it doesn't seem to be enough.  She's a poor sharer and fairly aloof.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Quoting mommyrustina:

While socialization is important, I think that daycare is the worst form of socialization. Why not do some mommy and me classes, playdates, tumbling, and time spent at the park. Children need experiences with people of all ages, not 8-10 other children their exact same age in a regimented setting.

We do those things, too.

[Derari]

I enrolled my children in Montessori between 2.5-3 years old. I loved what they learned, how they developed a variety of skills and had fun with kids their age.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe daycare/preschool is needed for socialization. When my daughter was home with me she socialized everyday through- the library, being out in the community, going to the children's museum, theatre, dance, parks, being around family and friends. If you decide to enroll your child into a program do it for the curriculum.