Seeking Childcare Advice.....

There's no need to put him in daycare for socialization. Find a playgroup, or maybe a Gymboree class (if you can afford them - they aren't cheap), schedule playdates with friends/neighbors who have kids.

My advise is much like some others. Your child is young and this is your opportunity for you and family to pour out your love, lessons and values in him. You will not always have this time or opportunity.
Taking your child to play groups, etc. is a great way to socialize. Soon the formal school setting will come and gone will be the days when he's your little boy.
Just one more bit of advice...be learly of making comparisons. Children will learn, grow and develop at their own pace. Her child may seem to share more but have stuggles in areas where you child is doing great.

Hi. Both of my kids - 7y and 2 y) have been in daycare since 3m. I see daycare as a way for them to socialize while I'm at work. The daycare we chose is a 'educational center' which means that when they are ready, they are taught their colors, letters, writing, etc. I would suggest trying to find an in home daycare. Most of them are flexible and would let you drop your son off 1 or 2 days a week.

You don't say where you live, but there is a great website provided by the state. http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/licensed.cgi

Type in your zip code and it shows you the providers in your area.

M.

At his age, it is a good idea to put him in daycare. This is where he will learn his social skills and he will be around children his own age. I put my son in daycare at 11 months and it was tough for us, I cried almost everyday for the first week and so did he but he adjusted before I did and he loved it. He was in a home setting at first and them at 16 months, we put him in a learning center and it was great.

If you're not entirely sure about the daycare, you could take him to a park or some type of kiddie play where you can really observe the way he asks around other children. Try this a few day a week and if he doesn't seem to be interested, then you may want to put him in a daycare so he can get used to being around other children.

My son loves to play with other children...which is why he won't be an only child. :-) He was a little shy at first around other children but he was out of his shell in no time. Sometimes he doesn't even want to go home when I pick him up from daycare!

I wouldn't worry about that at all at his age he is still young but I would enroll him in preschool (just part-time should be enough) when he turns 2.

I'd look for a play group, or class for socialization. Invite friends over with kids, even if they're not exactly the same age as yours. Take him to Sunday School (if you attend a church) and let him play with others in the nursery. You can always do daycare, but it's often hard to find a Part-time situation and if all you need is a social outlet, there are free options.

He is still very young. I agree with the first poster, just try to get out for more play dates or short classes and then when he is older enroll him in preschool. Between the ages of 2-3, in my opinion, is really when they start to need even more stimulation and socialization. And part-time preschool should be enough.

Good luck!

Hi R.,
My name is A. and I'm looking to care for another child either in my home or in the child's home.

I'm a mother of 2 boys, my oldest attends kindergarten and my youngest is with me all the time.
I'm too broke to afford Daycare, so I'm offering myself as a childcare provider.

I put an ad in Mamasourse if you interested-

I am a mother of 2 in Bethesda, looking for 1 to 5 days a week of baby sitting in my home or your home. My 5 year old is in school all day, my 2 year old is with me.
( Think of it as a play date with benefits)

Prior to being a mother, I was a Pre-school teacher for 4 years, a swim teacher and a nanny for 11 years before I met my husband.
I am infant, child CPR and First Aid Certified.

I am avail. Asap.
I have reference, feel free to ask anytime.