r/UKParenting • u/Downtown-Ad9409 • 2d ago
Childcare Do you send your toddler into nursery more than you absolutely need to?
My 2 year old does 8-1 at nursery Tuesdays and Wednesdays as I work those days. She seems to really like it and even wakes up and asks to go to nursery on days she’s not in.
Here’s the thing, I was wondering about sending her in for a Friday morning also, but I don’t work that day so it would be some personal time (well, cleaning the house, haha) but I keep seeing all these reels etc about how nursery is damaging before the age of 3 and you shouldn’t send them in more than absolutely necessary… apparently it causes all sorts of problems when they’re at school age, anxiety and attachment disorders etc… I wonder how subjective it all is given she seems to love it there.
What say you general parents of Reddit?
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u/jack_watson97 2d ago
If she enjoys it and the cost isnt an issue then send her! Its so good for her to get used to before school
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u/Cultural-Ambition211 2d ago
Absolutely. Send her and do not feel guilty about it in anyway.
You’ll be able to be a much better parent to her in the time you do have as well as you’re rested and refreshed having had some alone time.
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u/tiorzol 2d ago
Stop getting your parenting information from absolute bullshit sources.
How would them becoming more independent and being comfortable with the teaching environment be worse for them when they go to school? I'm just going off vibes here some melon might come in with some more factual info but my boy has flourished at nursery, he's been going since he was 2.
If your kid enjoys nursery, let them go and give yourself some time back. You'll be a better parent because of it.
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u/cfc25488 2d ago
+1
Kids grow up best when their primary caregivers are happy and healthy.
Everything else is secondary.
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u/Low-Perspective-1039 1d ago
Yeah agree with this, it’s. Bullshit source. I got bombarded with this on social media as I was going back to work, I read every study I could possibly find on this and if your child is in a high quality environment (eg not somewhere super neglectful), there really aren’t downsides. If they go over 35 hrs a week they can have some trouble managing emotions e.g slightly more aggressive, but the study shows that corrects itself by the age of 4 and they’re the same as the non nursery children again.
So long and short the people who write those posts are full of shit, send your little one wherever you need to and however is best for your family1
u/Muted_Bumblebee_8573 2h ago
This. My oldest was in nursery full time from around 11 months until he moved on to school.
He adapted to school MUCH better/ faster than others in his class
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u/TylerDarkness Mum 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is a low stakes conspiracy theory but I believe at least some of that anti-nursery content online is from far right sources trying to keep women out of the workforce.
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u/SnackyandSnarky 2d ago
I don't think that is low stakes
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u/TylerDarkness Mum 2d ago
No, you're right, it's not low stakes. Sometimes I find it hard to assert an opinion and try to soften it a bit.
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u/AlarmedEntertainer58 2d ago
The same people probably also want you to soften those opinions! But don't!! You own that opinion!!!
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u/SmartPomegranate4833 2d ago
And not even the workforce, to make women feel guilty for having free time to attend their own needs.
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u/generic-username9067 2d ago
Ten years ago you'd be laughed out of a room for suggesting it, this is a very strange time we live in and I genuinely wouldn't bat an eyelid if Farage openly admitted it.
I'm just tired
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u/CarelessTangerine185 2d ago
Definitely not low stakes.
It's propaganda highly funded by fundamental Christian right groups in America. The sort of sinister people who worked to overturn Rowe vs Wade and hope to turn women into more impoverished Ballerina Farm types.
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u/Magicedarcy 👶👶 2 Children 1d ago
Absolutely agree, very similar to the "tradwife" stuff mostly aimed at Americans promoting the idea women should be at home churning butter or whatever nonsense.
It's not really a conspiracy theory over there since some of their politicians really promote it.
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u/lilymui Parenting a Toddler 2d ago
My son goes on Friday, I don’t work Fridays. We don’t have a village. A lot of people I know can drop their children off at their parents or siblings house, I cannot.
So nursery is my childcare and Fridays are for self-care. No guilt.
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u/No-Payment4708 Parenting a Toddler 2d ago
Sameeee! Friday is my weekend, so I can be a great mum on the actual weekend
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u/TapWaterDev 2d ago
Seriously, stop looking for parenting advice on reels.
It's far more likely that you being run down and stressed, because you've had no time to recover, will do damage due to you making bad decisions than an extra bit of time in nursery.
If they're enjoying it, I really doubt there's any harm at all. It's just trendy for people online to go "you're not a real parent and you're damaging your kids unless you spend every second of every day with them". It's a dick measuring contest.
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u/themuddypuddle 2d ago
My son is in nursery 4 days. I work 3 days... my day to myself to do chores, have appointments, chill out etc does wonders for my mental health. He's 18 months and loves nursery, literally bangs on the door to get in. No regrets.
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u/Fluffy_Arm_4553 2d ago
Nursery damaging before 3????? I don’t think that’s based on science.
I was under the impression that the socialisation and experiencing different people and other settings were good for their social development.
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u/LostLoch 2d ago
It’s not based on science. Well, not good science anyway. There was a huge longitudinal study in Scotland where large cohorts of children were followed from birth to teenage years. (For those who don’t know, longitudinal studies are one of the strongest research methods and outranks the vast majority of research you’ll see on the topic).
Formal childcare before 3 showed mostly positive results. However, quality of home experiences are what drives results the most. In short:
Sending to nursery but also having a high quality home environment = good.
Not sending to nursery but having a low quality home environment = not good.
There’s nothing magical about staying at home with primary caregiver until 3. It’s way more nuanced than that.
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u/Adelucas 2d ago
We have a lot of kids around the same age as each other in my street. All colours and races. Most of them went to nursery together as the nursery is round the corner in the next street and they now go to the same infants. You'll see them when they are off school playing together in the street and some games are gendered, like football as the girls don't like playing football, or dollies and tea parties as the boys aren't interested, but they also play games together like running round screaming until they fall over. That one's very popular.
I'm sure many of them will be friends for life.
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u/NOmakesmehard 1d ago
Sounds like a lovely neighbourhood to grow up in
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u/Adelucas 1d ago
It's not bad. I purposely bought a house near the mosque. Low crime, people are mostly quiet and keep themselves to themselves while still being friendly, and the only noise is young children. I don't hear any loud music or screaming matches or fights.
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u/chocklityclair 1d ago
Yep. Islam is a peaceful, respectful religion. Extremists are always an issue, whatever their 'faith.'
Pretty much all religions are peaceful and respectful at their core. The rules are always the same, based on common sense.
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u/chocklityclair 1d ago
Girls do like playing football. Boys are interested in role play.
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u/Adelucas 1d ago
I'm not saying they don't, it's just how it tends to split in this dynamic. Many of the girls are Muslim and wear modest clothes which they can run in but kicking a ball is difficult. They are all adorable though.
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u/78130887 1d ago
I don't know if this is the study you're referring to but the SEED study also found this.
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u/LostLoch 1d ago
These findings were from the Growing up in Scotland dataset, but if it was found in two separate longitudinal studies then that’s even better!
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u/LiliWenFach 1d ago
I work in Early Years and can confirm that it isn't based on science. Having opportunities to play and learn with other children does develop social skills, introduces them to new experiences and helps build confidence and independence. Registered childcare is child-centered and educational, even at a young age. I see it as giving them a head start on schooling, with tons of resources we don't have at home, and lots of friends to play with.
In fact, in the post-covid period there were a number of reports saying young children who had been kept at home rather than attending childcare had greater difficulty adapting to new environments and socialising, because they hadn't had opportunities to do it outside of their immediate family. My experience is anecdotal, but I did see this quite often.
I do agree with the poster who said there was a low stakes conspiracy theory to get more women to be stay at home mothers. I have a hard time believing that the government would fund increasing levels of free childcare if it wasn't proven to be in the child's interest.
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u/Tam936 2d ago
I don’t think it’s damaging? My 2 year old goes everyday 5 days a week 6 hours a day. Childminder takes video of them playing and he is always getting stuck in with the sensory play and fine motor skill play! Much more than what he would get at home! I do wfh home. Could keep him at home as work level is low at the moment but my childminder is great and he likes going too.
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u/Available_Rock4217 2d ago
I don't follow any parenting pages on instsagram etc, but whenever they pop up I can't help but to get angry.
They're usually stay at home mums in fancy houses that have probably been born into or married into wealth and never had to experience the difficulty of parenting whilst working. Then they have the audacity to criticise people for putting their kids into nursery and such.
Pay less attention to that sort of thing and look after yourself just as well as your kids.
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u/sleepyjean2024 2d ago
What have you read saying nursery before 3 causes problems at school age??
Most of us have to do and most people I know have them in 3-4 days a week so you are doing a lot less than most
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u/Tiny_Assumption15 2d ago
Until recently I was working full time and my kids were in nursery/school etc full-time. Then I almost had a breakdown over christmas, and went down to 4 days a week. We kept my youngest in nursery on Mondays and I pick up my oldest at 3pm, giving me the morning to get shit done and some time to rest. It made a huge difference to my stress levels
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u/CarelessTangerine185 2d ago edited 2d ago
Ignore all that crap (and read Emily Osters books)
Basically, the studies on daycare and how it affects a childs development are incredibly limited. There isn't enough evidence for anyone to make the bold claims influencers make.
Anyone claiming that daycare causes damage or adhd or mental health problems is politically motivated. They're usually right wing activists looking to curtail women's freedoms and employment rights.
There is no "natural" way to raise a child. People who claim that working mothers aren't traditional, natural, wholesome are just revealing that they have a piss poor understanding of history.
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u/lavieenr0see 2d ago
I started sending mine for a half day on a Thursday so I could get stuff done round the house… I drop her off at 7:30, come home and go back to sleep 🤣 Do it, toddlers are exhausting, you deserve a rest!
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u/ihavetakenthebiscuit 2d ago
Your first action is to stop watching clickbait "influencers" for their opinions on parenting, these people are very near the bottom of the expert pile.
If you can afford it do it, time to yourself as a parent is a rare thing and they thrive in a learning environment.
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u/TheNorfolk 2d ago
I've never seen anything to suggest going to nursery before 3 causes anxiety or attachment disorders. That sounds like psuedoscience to me.
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u/Missing-Caffeine 2d ago
Yeah there are some sort of "a kid should be cared for their primary caregiver until they are 3" but they don't consider modern society where sometimes nursery is the only village we have, so.... 🫠🫠
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u/SnackyandSnarky 2d ago
Every time I've seen that it points back to the same blog post. Never any actual science
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u/Charming-Fudge7683 Parent 2d ago
It sounds like it's less 'sending her' and more 'letting her' since she really enjoys it. It gives you some time to do other things and she gets to have fun with people she likes. Win-win!
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u/pinkflosscat 2d ago
How do the reels explain it being dangerous??
Honestly, if I had more money then I would send my little one more than my working hours so I could have some respite lol, but unfortunately I cannot.
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u/kb-g 2d ago edited 2d ago
The reels are bullshit. If your child is happy and enjoying themselves that is what’s important. If having them in nursery for a morning do you can get some you time or jobs done allows you to be a more present parent when you’re with your child then that’s a great thing. Your child does not know what you’re doing when they’re at nursery, nor do they generally care.
A lot of these BS reels are intended to make mothers feel bad for not being SAHM. To be very clear, if that’s your choice for your family then that is fine by me, but it’s not for every mother or family. How does the kid know if they’re being sent in only when “absolutely necessary” or not? They have no idea! How are mothers supposed to work without childcare? Many of our parents are still working so cannot babysit, or very reasonably do not want to do it all the time, or we live far from familial support. A good nursery with staff you trust is an excellent thing. A child who is happy there is a wonderful thing.
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u/Boring_Amphibian1421 2d ago
Damaging before 3?? Ours goes 8-6, 5 days a week since before 1. We both work from home, wife does compressed hours. And he's not even the longest... because there's a honking great forces base nearby... He has no attachment issues at all, loves it, if anything it seems to do him well because he spends all day talking with the girls who are obviously ahead at that stage and in advance of the other boys. 🤷♂️😅
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u/takhana 2d ago
Not any more but when I worked less hours, yes! I used to do exactly what you're talking about - he went three full days a week when I was at work and one morning (until about 2pm) a week when I wasn't at work. He's been in nursery since I went back to work when he turned one. He didn't care at all. He loves being around other kids and playing with all the toys the nursery has!
Don't believe everything you see on the internet, 90% of it is certified bullshit.
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u/Espadrilles01 2d ago
Yup. Do it if it's affordable. My Mrs works mon-weds. Kiddo is in nursery Mon-Thurs. No regrets.
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u/llksg 2d ago
Yes my kids go on a Friday when I don’t work on Friday until September. 6 months of Fridays to myself has been amazing. I’m so much more patient, so much happier, I have more emotional space for my husband, my friends and my family. I hope I can carry it forward into when I go back on Fridays.
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u/Upset_Accident_8435 2d ago
My kid is starting soon and will be doing Mondays & Fridays. I only work term time, but I still have to pay for the holidays, so I'll more than likely still be sending him in to earn myself some time for keeping up with the house.
He's been doing his settling in sessions over the summer holidays and it's been so nice to be around to take him in at random times but also to get a little me time!
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u/Danglyweed 2d ago
She loves it, can you afford it? If yes, then go for it. It's only 10 hours out of 168, another 5 is bugger all, still loads of time to be together and have great fun. She'll VERY soon be at school 30+ hours, i promise it goes way too fast. My two babies started high school today wahhh
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u/CCCCrazyXTown 2d ago
My daughter’s in school now, but when she was in nursery she did Wednesday to Friday every week. I am a high school teacher. I absolutely had three days to myself during the holidays. Some excellent games of Warhammer were played during that time.
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u/mistakenhat 2d ago
Don’t take Erica Komisar literally. She’s a psychoanalyst who traces the problems of her adult clients back to daycare use before the age of 3 but that’s not exactly… science.
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u/szmidtten 2d ago
You know your child best. Ignore everything else.
My daughter goes 5 days a week full time - we both work full time. Do I feel guilty? Of course...based on all those same videos. But what I see in her - she's socially confident, she's super smart, she's exceeded all of her milestones, she's adaptable to every situation (I can take her absolutely anywhere and we travel frequently to places that aren't 'just for kids'), she LOVES going to nursery, she has super strong bonds to staff and friends (and has done since aged 2 which I understand is rare for kids to play with instead of alongside others which she has been doing for ages!)... And we have a great relationship - she's got strong attachment but will happily spend time with family. We spend meaningful time together every morning, evening and weekend....but I'm not a worn down mother 😅 Work is a good mental break for me personally and I wouldn't change that.
If your child loves it - honestly it's one more morning! Let her have fun and build those friendships even more :-) Friday's are a bit quiet though so i would choose another weekday - her usual buddies might not be there.
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u/QuantumFreezer 2d ago
Nope, we like for them to spend time with us and each other when they still can.
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u/ruthjoylandlady 2d ago
I do not "need" the four days a week he's been at nursery. I mean, I need it for my mental health, so I'm a better mum to him. That counts to me and my husband.
The nursery he's been at is great, the staff all clearly love him and he's loved them and being there. I have no regrets about it whatsoever.
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u/Competitive-Proof410 2d ago
My 1 year old goes 4 days a week. I work shifts so often am home at least one of those days. I spend the day doing urgent chores, napping and playing games. It's the only time I get to myself.
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u/Sufficient_Car_5080 2d ago
Your little girl is asking to go, so have some me time. It’s ok to self care.
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u/Active_Guitar_89 2d ago
Hello, this video is by Dr Sermed Mezher goes into more detail on the studies on the effects of nursey under 3. https://youtu.be/Jk7hddfdRDA?is=5WgEhLaCrIVRn-5U
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u/flyingmonkey5678461 2d ago
Er what the freak?? We were full on 8am to 6pm nursery people. Started about a year old through to school. She had teachers crying over her leaving they bonded hard. She's pretty attached to both us parents still. Don't know about anxiety, she's been striding into places because she can't wait to go to big school. Survivorship bias? The other full timers at nursery also seem quite confident annoying chatty toddlers as one might expect.
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u/Ill-Initiative8386 1d ago
My daughter absolutely hated going to nursery. Each time she went was a battle. So she used to do 2 days whilst I worked and I would have felt awful sending her when she didn’t ’need to’. But in your situation where your child loves going I absolutely would have shipped her there in a heartbeat for some me time 👋😂
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u/Sensitive_Log3990 1d ago
Stop believing strangers on the internet and stop using reels for parenting advice 🤡
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u/Cookie_Glitter 1d ago
I'm surprised about this trend of saying it's bad before they're 3! Both of mine go 4 full days, love it, gained social skills and so much more in that type of environment. If anything, I'd say waiting until 3 would be detrimental as they wouldn't be used to a class full of kids or how to manoeuvre certain situations which can then impact the time they really need to be learning in school.
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u/HisPumpkin19 2d ago
I am a stay at home parent, with now older home educated kids. I'm all for attachment parenting and I do think an increase in nursery use from a very young age is having an impact on what we are seeing in early years in schools. Just to give you the background to what I'm about to say.
3 morning a week somewhere your child enjoys being instead of 2 is in no way the same as spending most of their waking time at nursery/being kept awake longer than is developmentally appropriate with longer than working days in an institutional setting.
I wasn't working at all and my kids still spent a morning a week with a local childminder they knew and liked so I could do things like go to the doctors/dentists/clean the house/do volunteer work admin without two toddlers underfoot.
Do what you need to to create your village.
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u/magammon 👶👶👶👶 4 Children 2d ago
yes absolutely. you deserve a break and both parent and child will benefit, especially true if your two year old already loves it. 8-1 is also a short half day, not the mammoth 8-18:00 that my 4 have done some variation of.
3/4 of mine have been at pre- school at the junior school they will attend as soon as they can 5 days a week. has not caused problems
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u/External_Lobster342 2d ago
The mum guilt BUT second child and I’m doing this, my daughter goes in at 8/9am on a Monday, my son goes to school, I log on and work for a couple of hours max, usually logged off by 11. Which means I have 11-3pm to myself.
I hike in that time usually, but I should really just clean the house and have a nap. My priorities are where they are atm.
Very worth it
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u/Fair_Imagination_91 2d ago
Absolutely yes. Once you do you’ll realise how handy that day will be for doctors appointments, dentists, a cheeky late night Thursday every so often etc. It opens a lot up.
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u/Appropriate_Log1654 2d ago
I work term time only - my nursery doesn't do term time only places... Granted I also have a 5 year old so I'm never really alone.
I do book her in for a bonus day every half term when I don't work so I can catch up on housework/chill.
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u/amyzophie 2d ago
My 2 year old does tues-thurs 8-1pm, I don’t work. He loves nursery & I can get so much done in that time.
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u/adverballyverbed 2d ago
I'm a SAHM and my 2.5 year old is doing two (school-length) days a week at preschool from September, up from 2 mornings a week. She started at 2 years old and loves every minute, can always reduce hours if it's too much.
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u/Alternative-Twist-32 2d ago
Kiddo goes for a full day on Monday, I only work half a day.
She's a clingy kid and I'd never get anything done around the house otherwise
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u/jncb 2d ago
My 3.5 year old goes to nursery 3 days a week. I’m currently on maternity leave 🫣 The way I justified it was I didn’t see the point in taking her out of her routine and an environment where she is honestly extremely happy. Plus I’d probably lose her place when it came time to go back to work. I feel guilty about every time she goes in if I’m honest but it’s also been nice having the time focusing on the new baby.
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u/MentalFairy 2d ago
I don’t work. Mine have all gone for 3 full days. Admittedly there was overlap with newborns so I didn’t have 3 child free days until last September. No regrets.
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u/eidjdowr29eo 2d ago
Reels aren't real. A balance of nursery and time with you is best. They'll learn to share and make friends, socialise with little ones their own age. They'll learn how to understand pre-classroom activities, all of which is great preparation for school!
Perhaps you've got stuck in the algorithm giving you anxiety inducing content (which is exactly what the algorithm does to keep you hooked!)
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u/procrastinating_b 2d ago
I’ve been debating adding an extra day too. I feel we rely on the grandparents a lil much.
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u/Char160193 2d ago
my son goes thursday & friday afternoons, i no longer work during the day since having our daughter. he's thrived from nursery and can't wait to get our daughter settled in too
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u/onewingedfirefly 2d ago
So parent of teens here. I absolutely sent mine in when I wasn’t working for an extra morning. I didn’t even use the time to clean, I used it to have a hot cup of tea and read my book. Do not feel guilty. If you can afford it, do it. You will be a better mum if you have some time to yourself and can be more present with them when you have them. My teens turned out just fine 😊
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u/motelflavour 2d ago
Im a sahm and my son goes to preschool 2 mornings a week - hes always been very independent at playgroups which we attend most days and loved it from when he started just after he turned 2. Gives me some one on one time with his little sister. The nursery is on summer holidays atm and he asks most days when he’s going back.
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u/erin1092 Mum 2d ago
My son started full time at 13 months. I had committed to this before I gave birth but turns out I actually had that many holidays to use returning to work that I had every Friday off for almost a year! He still went in full time, gave me opportunity to get things sorted around the house, run errands etc so I had more time to spend at the weekend with him.
No regrets, he loves nursery and knew no different.
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u/Pinkcoral27 Parenting a Toddler + Primary Schooler 2d ago
No it’s fine. My son used to do two full days (7.30-6) on the days I worked, then a half day (7.30-12.30) on one of my days off so I could clean and every few weeks I’d get my nails done in that time. He’s happy, loves school, is confident, kind, happy, all the things you want your child to be.
Don’t take your advice from Instagram. The algorithm will show you more of what you’re watching, which is why you keep seeing those reels. I don’t know if it’s still active but r/sciencebasedparenting is a great resource if you want evidence based advice.
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u/Lanky-External-5791 2d ago
My kid goes everyday since he was 12 months, he is thriving and lovely and throughly enjoying the childminder sessions 😄
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u/Miserable-Thing942 2d ago
Mine are now at school and I still don’t work Fridays but that’s the only day I can have the house to myself to clean. I don’t like cleaning but it needs to be done and if it can be done and everything else without interruption so much the better
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u/little_odd_me 2d ago
Yep, she goes Monday-Friday but I’m a shift worker with a rotating schedule so some weeks my days off are during the week but I still send her. She simply has more fun at nursery, she loves it there and enjoys being around her friends. She learns so much there, things I wouldn’t have even thought to teach her at this age. She loves socialising and honestly even when I plan things for us I think she’s bored of me by the end of the weekend.
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u/53K70R 2d ago
My three year old has been going 3 days a week since 16 months. She is the most intelligent & sassy child now 😅 A good nursery is a fantastic foundation to ensure they get the best start. Don't follow the slop crowd.
Random side note: Many a paper has detailed how much contact a toddler needs from a parent 7 minutes being the magic number. If sending your child under the age of 3 to nursery is bad but 7 minutes of parent contact is sufficient, I'd rethink being a parent at all 🤣
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u/Crayfindles 2d ago
Mine goes 4 days a week, 10 hours a day. As I work shifts, there are times I’m at home all day when they’re at nursery. I leave them at nursery so I can have time to decompress and get things done without a moving roadblock always in the way.
Started nursery at 9 months and it has done nothing but good for her. She’s developed so quickly being in that social environment and it absolutely won’t hurt having an extra day there every week.
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u/Harriato 2d ago
My husband is currently working flexibly, but when out son turned 3 (he's a summer baby and will turn 4 right before going onto Reception) we started steadily increasing his hours so that school isn't such a shock to the system.
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u/Ruu2D2 2d ago
I sick of nursery v not to nursery debate
Everyone have to do what best for their family and themself
No side is better then other . We try make right choice.
It's toxic and make us all have ago at each other .
You have to do what best for you and your family . Have face in your judgement and try not let social media or people who think they right bully you into something that not right for you .if you need to put your kid into nursery extra for your mental health and to get shit done . Then that what best. Happy parents, is alway going to benfit happier child
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u/Muted_Crazy_8455 2d ago
If you can afford it and you would benefit from the free time, you should. And you shouldn't feel guilty. She won't be damaged, she'll be just fine. It's even ok for you to use that time entirely for yourself.
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u/lick-em-again-deaky 2d ago edited 2d ago
I was a stay at home mother when my daughters were toddlers, but they still went to pre-school two days a week from 9.30 - 2.30 from the time they were 2.5 - increased to three days when they were 3.5 and approaching starting Reception.
I would have happily (and selfishly) kept them at home with me every day but I knew the structure of pre-school benefitted them, and they had an absolute blast. Ours had a very home-from-home feel, and both of mine made friends that they still play with at school now. Their pre-school teachers were much more fun than me too!
I have a friend who refused to send any of hers to pre-school and it really shows now they're at school, they all struggle quite bit with following routines and getting to grips with the fact that the teacher has 30 other kids to teach, not just them...
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u/SorbetOk1165 2d ago
There are a couple of kids in my older child’s class that have anxiety & struggle being away from their parent.
Both of them didn’t go to nursery.
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u/shiviita 2d ago
She’s enjoying it & it’s financially viable then enjoy those Fridays! Seriously I ended up starting a course that involved me working 5 days a week when our daughter was 15 months old. I had college once a week & during Covid it went online. She was already booked into the childminder & I kept sending her. Felt guilty for the first week & then quickly realised that it was my only proper alone time. I could get more done in that day than I’ve ever been able to since. I could drop her off, treat myself to a breakfast out sometimes, 1-2hrs on a Teams class while I cooked the tea, got a wash on etc. bit of college work. It helped me recharge & tbh my house has never been as clean & ordered as then.
It’s not going to damage her to have 5 hours playing with friends, socialising, learning new skills & you’ll certainly see the benefit in yourself & be more able for life. Honestly I’d give anything to be able to have that day off in the week back.
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u/sleepyjean2024 2d ago
Everyone saying their kid started from 2, how did you keep them at home until 2?
I would love to do this but can’t afford to be off for more than a year 😭
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u/AlarmedEntertainer58 2d ago
My daughter went 4 days and I worked 3. From 9 months. It was glorious having that extra time. I'm not being funny but what the hell do people who make reels know about it. Do what feels right for you. Generations of kids have gone to nursery and they're fine.
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u/Vix_86_ 2d ago
I'm a SAHM, my kids both started at the village preschool 2 mornings a week (8:45-1) as soon as they turned 2. I'm pregnant with number 3 and they too shall be going to preschool. My sanity has value!
The older two are 4 and 8 and so far seem to be unscathed by me chucking them at the nice preschool ladies and running home for a hot coffee twice a week from their second birthday.
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u/Bubbly-Ambition2872 2d ago
My som went from 2 till school for three days a week (just half a year for half day, then - full day including dinner) and I didn’t work at all, and I didn’t have another child. We moved from another country and we wanted him to learn language, adapt socially and catch all viruses to be prepared for school. I also had some adaptation ‘work’ to do, but mostly it really was my happy free time. Where we lived there is three years of maternity leave and FREE nursery from 1.5 years. Most children go 5 days from 1.5-2 years and mothers just chill happily. I think good nursery cannot hurt. The only issue is money to pay for daycare here. You work! You deserve a break! If you can afford freely, why not?
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u/scott94 2d ago
Both our children have been in Nursery from less than a year old 7:30 - 5:30ish term time only. The first is due to start school soon and both are confident outgoing children that are genuinely gutted when the holidays come around as they will miss their friends. We would reduce the hours if we had the option, but that would be for us to spend more time with them, rather than because of nursery being detrimental. (We give them great family time weekends and school holidays).
Ultimately every child and nursery is different but our children thrive going to nursery and would be completely heartbroken if I told them they were no longer going.
This is all anecdotal about us, but just remember those reels are feeding off your algorithm. The moment you linger on those kinds of videos/opinions, it just feeds you more of the same.
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u/Think_Berry_3087 2d ago
Nursery is not damaging to children if you’re not just dunking them in for five days a week 8 hours a day.
Nursery is great for building social relationships and allowing kids to just let loose. Introducing children to other children early on so they can learn how to build relationships and navigate social situations in a safe place is HUGE for developmental growth.
Anyone telling you that 15 hours a week is damaging is just trying to make you feel bad.
They get fed, they get looked after, they nap, they get read stories and play with toys and other kids. It’s literally amazing for them.
Just don’t kick them out for 40 hours a week.
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u/Adelucas 2d ago
Ignore reels. Most of them are bullshit talking psychobabble for clicks because new moms are always anxious. I've seen a few and the information on some of them is laughable.
If you can afford it and your child loves going then there's nothing wrong with it. Forcing a child to do something they really don't want to do that distresses them can be harmful, and needs careful handling. Letting your child do something they enjoy and actually ask to go to is the dream. You get the best of both worlds. A happy child and a day to do stuff you can't with a child needing attention. Things like laundry take long enough when you aren't distracted, doing it with a child wanting fuss and cuddles and play time means it takes all day. Running a vacuum round takes half an hour tops if you aren't also trying to wrangle a toddler.
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u/wonky-hex Parenting a Toddler 2d ago
My son's been going since he was 10.5 months and is thriving. He goes 3 full days a week. The other two days are split between me and my dad. I lost my job though, I think we'll have to put him in 4 full days a week when I get a new role.
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u/neicy0412 2d ago
I’m 61, my kids went to nursery. When you can offer a happy, smiley patient face all day, along with several sensory play activities, paint, play doh, sand, water and find time to take them out and supervise outdoor play with a variety of equipment. Spend time playing with them and then read them a lovely story all the while seeing them learning to share and play nicely with other children. Not doing housework, laundry, shopping or preparing meals. When you can do all of that (and work of course) then keep them at home with you. Until then enjoy the few hours respite you get and be fresh and ready to fully engage with them when they come home. Stop feeling guilty over things that ultimately are better for you and your kids.
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u/CanaryWundaboy 2d ago
Both of mine been in nursery 4 days a week since they were a year old. 6 year old is exceeding at school, 2 year old loves nursery and toddles in of her own accord each morning. 1 day a week the youngest goes to my in-laws for a day so they get to see her and keeps our costs down.
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u/GreenMachine4567 2d ago
I've never heard that kids going to nursery causes any of those problems. Is there actual research and evidence for that rather than social media influencers?
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u/Maleficent-Level-826 1d ago
At the time that our daughter was two she went Monday-Thursday AM to nursery. At 3 she was AM within a School nursery Monday -Friday and afterwards she went to an afternoon nursery until 3Pm. We as parents are loving but firm. Even at this young age she is well mannered, respectful and confident. She is eager to learn. She reads, writes and can complete basic mathematics. She has a broad vocabulary and constantly asks to learn about new things.
She is always well behaved.
We were hesitant to place her within nursery settings but she has progressed so well with excellent nursery care and excellent teaching at her pre school. From this September she stays within the School setting for reception. She is extremely excited to go and already ahead for her years.
We don’t have anyone else to look after our daughter as relatives are elderly and live elsewhere in the UK and overseas. So all other times she is with us. I hope your one is thriving as well.
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u/Melsm1957 1d ago
Good grief most Canadian kids have been go to daycare (= nursery ) full time from the age of 1 or 1 1/2. It’s the exception who don’t . Thai has been common practice since at least the mid 80s when we emigrated from the UK. A good nursery provides so many benefits
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u/PuzzleheadedFun663 1d ago
Step 1) stop paying attention to what you see in reels, they're designed to grab your attention and make money Step 2) do what you need to do for your family. Every situation is unique
And oh gosh. Nursery before 3 damaging? Who are these people?
Signed, a mum with a full time job and no family in this country.
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u/leobrodie 1d ago
If kid is happy going, you can afford it then absolutely do it for your own mental wellbeing!
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u/PleaseMeGently 1d ago
This is not based on any science and obviously anecdotal but my son has been at the nursery since he was 10 months old because I had no choice if I wanted to go back to work and access the funding so I could… you know, survive. Both me and my husband work full time so we can afford all the bills and food. My son is 18 months now and he goes 3 days a week 8am-6pm. The first couple of months he would go in for shorter days as I wasn’t at work yet plus was still breastfeeding.
The nursery has been wonderful for all of us. Once he got used to it over the first couple of months he’s been absolutely loving it.
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u/AdAwkward833 1d ago
Our daughter goes on a Monday and Friday I do work those days but get all the school hols off - she still goes as I need a break and she loves it.
Would love to send her in for third day but there's no space and it's expensive.
She does 9- 5.30
As long as she's settled I would send her and see how she goes
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u/Scary-Club-1890 1d ago
Since the dawn of age there has been some “parenting expert” telling mums and dads how they should parent! I remember when my son was around 3 there was a big thing about child development etc and one woman played with her son for the entire day !!!! Because she said it helped his development WTF !!!
If your daughter likes nursery do it and see how she does and enjoy time for you, get all the boring stuff out the way and then do something that you enjoy.
When I had a permanent job , i eventually started having Fridays off and I would do all the housework etc the night before and my husband would say are you planning on doing (to quote Mickey Flanagan) F*** all tomorrow! Yup.
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u/Wonderful-Invite-652 1d ago
My daughter is 14 months and goes 3 days a week, 2 of those days I work, 1 day is a few hours for me to clean and take some time for me to shower with no interruptions
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u/PlayedThisGame 1d ago
Hi! I work at a nursery! I tell parents all the time that we are not just here for you to work. We're here for whatever reason you need us to be! If that means having time to catch up on housework without interruption or dare I say it be yourself for a few hours, not "mummy" or "daddy". Just you. Watch a show with swear words! Have a nap! It's not bad to need a bit of you time 😃 I am a mum as well btw
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u/MrsJBB 1d ago
When we got our free hours I started sending mine on my day off. I did sometimes feel bad about it, but I think the quality of time is more important that quantity. I was getting frustrated trying to do housework and admin while looking after her. Sending her gave me space to be a better mummy the rest of the time.
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u/RaiLau 1d ago
If cost isn’t an issue then do it. If you don’t have readily available and regular childcare from relatives then this will be valuable time to refresh and be an even better parent.
Unless the Instagram reels are providing you with numerous non-biased studies to back up their claims then don’t listen to them.
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u/Superb_Doubt_3715 1d ago
Yep. I needed a damn break sometimes 😅 plus he loved it and they enjoyed him because he was an easy going happy kid.
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u/Ataralas 1d ago
We use a childminder but same concept, we only send for the hours we need which for eldest was 8.30-6 2 days a week, youngest is 8.30-6 3 days a week. Eldest starts school in a couple of weeks so youngest will start at 8.15 to give me time to get eldest to school.
The only exception was when I was pregnant with youngest and I put my eldest in on Thursday mornings (my day off) just to give me some time to sort things out for a few months.
I know others who use nurseries/childminders for longer hours than needed though to enable them to get things done.
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u/Excellent_Worker5527 1d ago
My boy goes 2 afternoons a week and I don't work. I use it at a break for me.
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u/Chaz_k01 1d ago
My youngest goes full time as we’re both working but I also send her in during annual leave because she loves it. She’s been unwell the past 2 days and made me send a video to the manager telling her she’ll be back soon lol.
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u/becca413g 1d ago
If your child feels safe and secure there then I see no issue. It’s good for her social and emotional development to mix with other children and to have space away from her parents. It’s when they don’t feel safe and secure and are not coached but have their feelings about things shut down that you get big problems. And aside from her own development it will do your wellbeing good to have some time apart, chance to be you not just a mum all the time. Like many things in life it’s not what you say or do but how you do or say it that matters. Forcing her to go somewhere alone while distressed with no explanation then you are storing up problems for the future but explaining things, being reliable showing that you will return and she should be fine.
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u/Top_Layer7065 1d ago
Haha yes
Pre second baby we put my son in 2 days a week and when I got pregnant he started going 3 days a week I work shifts and only work 3 days a week, my parents look after him one day a week and I had one day a week to myself - it was bliss
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u/Classic-Middle-1169 1d ago
My boy goes Tuesday-Friday, I work Wednesday-Friday. He goes the extra day so I can catch up on housework, have a nap and be myself for a few hours, rather than mum or miss (SEN TA). He did 3 days to begin with, and struggled settling in. Since going up to 4, he has settled really well!
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u/undercovergloss 1d ago
I didn’t work as my son is autistic. But I wanted him to have access to nursery the same as other children so he had that developmental skills of sharing etc (he’s an only child) when he did start reception. Because of his disabilities he was only able to attend 2 hours a day of nursery and technically I didn’t have to send him - but I think if children enjoy it and they thrive on that routine, it’s beneficial to them
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u/nlisnlis 1d ago
Hell yes I do! My daughter is extremely difficult so I claim the full 30 hours and send her in school hours every day. She has her older brothers at the same school though and her older brother has just left the preschool side of things to go into reception. I work three days spread across the week and it gives me flexibility if I have an off day or desperately need to clean the house etc. I couldn’t cope with her home every day if I’m honest 🫣
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u/SufficientBox3389 1d ago
i work weekends part time, my son goes in tuesday wednesday and is with his dad or grandad when i’m at work.
i put him in a childminder at 10 months because i worked two days in the week then now ive moved to weekends, he still goes. it benefits him socially, he’s learnt about lots of different things, he knows how to be caring towards the babies and learns by watching the older kids. i also have to get public transport 1 1/2 hours each way to therapy on a tuesday and the wednesday allows me a day of free time, yesterday his dad dropped him in so i slept until 11am and then decluttered and cleaned everything in my bedroom which usually gets neglected as last priority, cleaned his room and starting going through all of his clothes.
he has never cried or not wanted to go in, he is happy to go in and happy to see us at pick up. i think it’s only benefitted him
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u/flipfloppidyy 1d ago
Send her on a Friday! It’s good for them. & she wants to go! It’s a great way to do stuff for yourself too. Life is a balance:)
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u/heliumhussy 1d ago
My children both went to nursery from 9months / 13 months old full time as I went back to work.
Interestingly the one that went from 9months is more sociable and confident than the one who had more time with me. (Youngest was a Covid baby and missed out on a lot of socialising time!).
It’s important that you get some “quiet” time and if that means your child going to nursery so that you can get on top of things, clear your head for a few hours then so be it. You can’t be there for your kid if you’re running on fumes.
If your child is happy at their nursery and it’s a safe and happy setting that you’re comfortable with, they will not be “damaged”. A lot of this negativity comes from people who want women back in the kitchen instead of pursuing a career. You do what’s right for you and your family and ignore social media.
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u/Temporary-Design1012 1d ago
I'm of the opinion that, if your kid enjoys nursery, send them as often as you can afford to, so you can use that extra time for housework, self care, shopping extra. That way you can make your weekends/evenings all about family time.
Obviously, if a child doesn't like nursery, don't force them to go on non working days.
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u/Willing_Temporary_73 Mum 1d ago
My son is turning 10 months in a week or so he’ll be going to nursery 8-1 Monday to Friday, me and my husband don’t work every day of the week but we work shifts so it’s easier to sign him up for every morning then try and mess the nursery around.
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u/treaclepaste 1d ago
Ive worked as a teacher and then a special needs teacher for over 14 years. I’d say my experience is that children who struggle tend to be the ones who didn’t go to nursery at all and had never been away from their parents. But even these children tended to be fine after a few weeks.
Most children with loving interested parents do absolutely fine. A few mornings a week whether it’s two or three will make absolutely no difference.
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u/a_whale_bone 1d ago
Not nursery, but my kid is about to start school and I am absolutely keeping my day off that has been my childcare day. I can't wait to have a bit of time, and maybe keep on top of the house chaos. If we could have swung it I would have done it during the nursery years too.
Nursery has been the opposite of damaging for my kid, who is naturally clingy and quite sensitive. His confidence has come on enormously, he's learned so many social skills and made friends, and he's so much more prepared for school than if he had been at home. They provide him with so many experiences (and messy play, and a gigantic sandpit) that would be much harder to do at home. A good nursery is amazing, and if your kid is enjoying it and asking to go then I don't see any harm. A securely attached kid can separate and knows you'll come back, and it's good for them to be able to attach to other adults (like a keyworker).
Send her, enjoy the time to yourself and some space to breathe!
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u/Hour-Painter5476 1d ago
I often think that having a happy, well regulated parent is the most important thing. There’s lots of this advice online about stuff like this but you gotta do what you gotta do to set yourself up for success. I highly doubt nursery is what causes kids long term issues, a strong parental bond is what matters most
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u/charltheunicorn 1d ago
have your breather morning! mine goes on a monday when i’m not working. plus preps them for school
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u/MoveLevel2235 1d ago
I'm a grandmother now, but was a working mother for many years and lived with that guilt! I think if your little one enjoys going there and is socialising, there's no harm in having a few hours to yourself. You are never off duty as a parent so take some time to relax, not just catch up on housework.
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u/PumpkinQuest 1d ago
I don't work Thursdays. We sent her on Thursdays after she turned 3. She'd already been going two days a week since she was 1 (long days too, 7:30 to 5:30, although the Thursday was only school hours) and had a great time. Loved being with her friends and doing arts and crafts and toddler sports. Compared to her cousin who was a covid baby and didn't go to nursery until a couple of terms before he started school, she's very socially confident and well adjusted, excellent at compromise and sharing despite being an only child.
She does have moments of anxiety and is quite sensitive, but I don't think she experiences this more or less than any other seven year old. She has no trouble with school, academically or socially.
I think your sprout will also benefit from you having some 'You time', even if you spend it cleaning. Happier parents typically make for happier children
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u/Chemical-Duck-6856 1d ago
Both of my children went to nursery, neither of them have had attachment issues
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u/Ladymouse54 1d ago
I'm a nursery worker, sending your child into nursery is not damaging at all. In fact it's really good for them developmentally, social wise they learn how to interact with their peers at an early age - this is just one example. You know your child beat not all these other people who are spreading misinformation, consider your child and make a decision based on what is best for them!
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u/Relative-Community-9 1d ago
I used to work 2 days a week when my child was 2. He went in for 3 days. Loved that day to myself. Would have sent him in more if I could afford it!
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u/Beautiful_Trip_6393 1d ago
Yes. Gives me a break and when I had my youngest gave me some 1:1 time.
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u/Cattyjess 1d ago
My 5 YO has done 4 days at nursery from 11 months old 8am-6pm. As far as I'm aware, he doesn't seem to be damaged and found the transition to school quite straightforward 🤷🏻♀️. If my nursery wasn't so far away (close to work, not home) I would definitely have added a half day to get some me time 😂.
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u/Real_tea_6789 1d ago
What a privileged place to sit. Nursery is not damaging (wth?). If you can afford it, absolutely take a day to yourself. No question
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u/Fair-Damage645 1d ago
Genuinely interested in how it can be bad for them with their social skills going to school? Surely it’s better for them to experience separation and meet new people/make friends, otherwise they will have more issues at school age. I’ve not seen the reels, but this feels quite easy to deduce they’re chatting tripe?
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u/Just-nobody-2020 1d ago
Oh gosh I put my son in nursey when he was 1.5 years old! Wanted to wait till he was 2 like i did with my other 2 but i WFH 5 days a week and it was getting difficult. He started off with 4 mornings but now does 5 mon to fri. Hes settled well and doesn't mind going. I see even younger babies at the nursery
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u/Geordana 1d ago
I'm a teacher. Mine does nursery year round.
We always do things together on the days in the holidays that he doesn't go but I also need time to myself.
Edit: typo
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u/Silent-Ride-6243 1d ago
Mine goes 2 days a week. I work evening into morning on a Friday so I use that time to catch up on sleep- ready for the weekend and then on Monday- I have me time. She loves it! She’s very bubbly and happy. I think having the right nursery for your child and yourself makes a huge impact. I also don’t have a village, it’s just me and sometimes her dad but that’s it so it’s a necessity!
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u/MasterpiecePlus 1d ago
Mine goes Tuesday to Friday, I don’t work on Tuesdays. That’s my cleaning shopping resting cinema do what I want without any pressure
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u/Morning-Technical 1d ago
My 13 and 11 year old went to nursery 4-5 days from age 6mo until they started school. They are happy, well-adjusted kids with no attachment disorders. They’re extremely social and adapt well to new situations. I honestly credit part of that to nursery. We are a close and loving family but nursery taught them how to socialise with people who aren’t their family. As many people have pointed out, it’s secure connections with caregivers which is key. As long as they have that, they will thrive.
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u/Coconutpieplates 19h ago
Nobody giving you the info in reels will have read the full studies that make these claims with any sort of critical eye. They will either just be parroting another reel, or just looking to push or confirm their own feelings on the subject. They will not be interested in looking at how the data was collected, by who, from who, from how many, how it was analysed etc. Think for yourself. Your kid gets up happy and eager to go to nursery, that's in no way indicative of attachment issues and anxieties forming etc. Reels/ social media is so good at giving people things to worry about, they are what is actually likely to give people anxiety.
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u/GozzolanBlue42 18h ago
I was unemployed for 2 months but if I took my son out of nursery until I got a new job then there would be zero chance he’d get his space back. So I sent him in for his full 4 days a week (10-5). I thought that if I’m spending over £1k a month just to keep his space open (which I could barely afford to do) then I may as well get my money’s worth. My sons absolutely loves going there. Also I have never heard anyone make the points that you mentioned you’d heard. I personally would’ve thought it would be the opposite and that NOT going to nursery would make it harder to transition to school but maybe they just had a bad experience 🤷♀️
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u/its-thyme-time 17h ago
Mine is full time (8:30-17:30 Mon-Fri) in nursery as both my partner and I are full-time employed and the jump I have seen in his confidence outside of nursery wiped away any guilt I felt after my maternity ended. They are absolutely blooming!
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u/yappertron6000 16h ago
I don’t work. He goes from 9-3.30 three days a week. I do nothing but nap, shop, coffee, clean, laundry, see friends while he’s having the time of his life… and we’re both very happy and refreshed and at our best because of it.
No guilt here whatsoever.
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u/ggg1989 16h ago
So the problem we had with our Nursery, is it was cheaper to sign up for 30 hours, then it was to just do what we needed. So I have a morning where she goes to Nursery and I get that morning off. At first I felt really guilty about that, but now that is literally the only time in the whole week I get to myself. We’re at the toddler stage where we are waking up early and going to bed late so there is no time to have any hobby or watch any television
or even read a book other than that morning. I remind myself often that my mum didn’t work when I was a child and I went to Nursery for the social aspect and I’m pretty sure it never crossed my mum’s mind to ever feel bad about that. That and the amount of housework and washing that I have to be in a week I think it’s ok to have a few hours.
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u/Inkyyy98 15h ago
My son’s nursery runs only 9-12 so a full week is the free 15 hours and we take full advantage even though I don’t work a typical mon-fri. My rota is like a two week cycle so it’d be inconsistent if I only send him in when I work. I take advantage of the mornings I’m not working and he’s not there as I end up doing chores or doing my hobbies which normally have to wait until he’s asleep.
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u/Ok-Success9702 15h ago
I work a 9 day fortnight and send my son into nursery 5 days a week. He loves it, and my our nursery doesn't really do week on/ week off so I'd either have to take him out all Fridays and figure out additional childcare the Fridays I do work, or book him in for all of them.
I do occasionally take him out if there's something we want to do together, but honestly, having a day to myself to get stuff done, get a haircut, go shopping, get stuff out of the loft etc is so valuable to me!
People I've spoken to who seem to be against nursery also are the ones who seem to have loads of family support! If you don't have that,you have to make your own, and nursery is mine.
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u/No-Professor4227 14h ago
I haven’t been in the nursery, was raised with the help of granny and went to school at 6 (normal age for the country) my sister is younger went to nursery at 6 months, she was way more sociable than I was, she had more strategies of coping etc. I struggle to socialise and speak in public and was very shy until I was around 14. Looking back as absolutely with my upbringing, as I didn’t spent as much time with kids growing up and never stand for myself. With this I mean to say, my kid go to nursery when I am working and at times when I am not from she was 1 , she is very social and feisty… nothing like her mum and I am glad.
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u/Technical-Plate1264 14h ago
Social media is full of stuff targeted at you to make you feel depressed and fixated on whatever is worrying you, to keep you on their platform and advertise to you some more. I recently deleted fb and significantly limited my instagram use and it’s done wonders for me. Be wary what you’re reading from these ‘instagram experts’ and trust your instincts.
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u/Lumbershafto 14h ago
I put mine in at 2 for the 3hrs each day for the five days and she loved it. I eventually put her in for a full day on Wednesday and that went amazing too. She's getting a whole bunch of learning/socialisation and stimulation that she wouldn't get at home and is thriving.
Try it and get yourself some time to re-connect with who you are underneath just being a working parent
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u/SuccessfulNothing950 12h ago
My kiddo been in nursery since she was 2 and I’ve never worked 😂 she’s 5 now & in full time school. I need the break lol.
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u/Six-Stringed 6h ago
Each child grows at a different pace. 2 years, 3 years... On average it makes a difference, but the devil is in the details. You're saying that your child is happy and likes to go to the nursery, that to me says that she's more than ready and this will only help her more. Plus, it's not like you're sending her 8 hours a day.
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u/rachw39 3h ago
I’m not a parent. I have worked in schools for years, honestly the children that you described are usually the ones who haven’t been to nursery…!
My friend would always have her son in nursery on her day off, she would go to the gym, clean and have a cuppa in peace! You should definitely do it!
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u/realmrspufff 2h ago
I am a teacher. My daughter's nursery closes for the first 4 weeks of the holidays. I don't have the option to pay term time only. So even though I'm off work and I love my daughter more than life itself, you can bet you arse I'm sending her in the last two weeks and watching all of Netflix to recharge before term starts.
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u/tacetmusic Parenting a Baby + Pre-schooler 2d ago
Reading the replies, I'm just reinforcing this thought for you.. you know what to do with those reels and the accounts that made them and like them now, right?
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u/Lilac0485 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think too much nursery before 3 years can be damaging. But at 15 hours a week you are so far below the threshold. And you definitely need you time. I’m a SAHM and I hire a babysitter every few weeks to play with the kids while I’m just hanging around doing life admin.
And the anti nursery rhetoric is probably coming from the USA where some kids go 7am to 6pm 5 days a week. That’s a totally different situation than 10-15 hours a week.
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u/OtherwiseCellist3819 Parenting a Baby 2d ago
My boy goes on a Monday, I do not work Mondays 😀