PT daycare for 2yo socialization?

[Deleted]

My SIL did that at 2 because my niece had really bad stranger danger. I forget who watches your daughter during the day. Can she set up a regular play date? I'm cheap so I'd look at free options first.

[cjeanette]

My kids went PT from age 13 months to K. C was 3 days a week and E was 2 days. My parents were willing to watch them FT so it was strictly for socialization and a bit of education.

[hopecounts]

what about a preschool or Mom's Morning/Day out program?
Most SAHM around here start preschool or MDO around 2 or 3 for socilaization.

[grosnl19]

We started DD at 21 months for this reason, attending playdates, going to 1 hour classes here/there with me wasn't enough. She has been going M-F 9:30-3:30 and is really thriving. We put her in M-F only because there is no cost difference if she goes partial week.

[lilac05]

I considered it for DS1. I ended up joining a few moms groups, attended lots of play dates and kids activities around town, and a Bible Study where someone else watched a whole group of kids. It worked for us. I wouldn't ask my mom to do that with my kids, though, especially with a newborn. In your situation, I'd probably look for a PT place, preferably a center, where she would be around a lot of kids her age.

[megs193]

My 2 y/o goes to a toddler preschool program for this reason. It is 2.5 hours a day and I chose to put him in 3 days a week. One of his friends does 5 days a week because his grandparents watch him full time and they needed a few hours a day off.

[anaps28]

We did 2 days of preschool at 2. We also did a swim class and a Gymboree class. I had to keep him busy or he drove me up a wall tbh

[formerlyllizzyb]

I SAH and send my 2.5 yr old DS to Mother's Day Out from 9-2:30 two days a week, partly for socialization purposes.

[brooklyn]

I just signed J up for a pre-2 class that meets 2 hours a day 2 days a week primarily for his socialization (and to give me a bit of a break!). The older toddlers we know in the program have really made a noticeable improvement in their verbal and social development.

[kangaroo11]

I'm considering this with DD. Two days a week for 3 hours a day at a nearby Jewish school. I just haven't pulled the trigger on committing!

[gibbinator]

I know a lot of sahm (including myself on mat leave) that send their older kid to daycare a couple times a week for socialization and just plain to take a break and have one and one time with younger kids.

[redheadk]

There are tons of SAHMs in my area and almost every single one I know sends their kids to Mother's Day Out. Most of the larger local churches have them. Some are more religious than others. Many also have a preschool program beginning at age 3 (following the school year calendar). DD goes twice a week for 6 hours each time. Check to see if you have something like that in your area, it might be the perfect solution for you. They are way cheaper than daycare, DD's is the most expensive in my area at $200/month.

[mushmouse]

I think people really do this to get a break. Which is fine of course. But your 2 year old doesn't need to learn to socialize at daycare.

[thebreakfastclub]

My DC offers as little as 2 days a week from 9a-3p. Might be a good option.

I would totally do that if I was home.

[teatimefor2]

DS1 just started a twos preschool class. He goes 2.5 hours two days per week. It gives me a break and gives him some socialization. Everyone has benefitted.

[6fsn]

I guess this wasn't really any concern of mine. At 2 we barely did playdates or any sort of outings really. My kid seems pretty adjusted now.

[auntie]

Preschool. Or 3 mornings a week at a DCC. Just being exposed to random kids at a playground of museum isn't as beneficial as creating relationships with the same kids week to week. Many of my friends suggest that 3 days is way better than two aby age 3.

Playdates are great, but at this age they're both moms (because it's as much about moms sociailizing as kiddos) supervising which could feel awkward for your mom to have to hang out with someone your age.

[cinco]

We do a part time preschool with my 2 year old. She loves it and has gotten better with kids her own age b/c of it. It isn't necessary (my other kids started at 3), but if you can afford it, it is pretty damn awesome. I work during one of her days at the preschool, but the other is much appreciated me time.

[MadamePresident]

No, my kid is so shy, I truly think she would be miserable. We do have a lot of playdates and she does okay when it's with people we see regularly.