How important is for a child after one year to be with her mom all the time?

Question

Everyone in the family tells me that my baby need a bit of space for her and that I need some time for my self too. They suggest for me to take her to a nursery couple of times a week so she can practice her social skills with other kids

Answer 1

It is important for any child to be with its parents as much as possable for the first 5 years. They need that kind of security for their well being and mental health. Why do you think we are having the problems we are having now with our teenage kids? Because a good majority of them have been thrown into daycare at 6 weeks of age. And they hardly spend time with their parents at all. And with the divorce rate the way it is, kids don't know what it is like to have 2 loving parents in a secure home setting. My son is 3 and has never been in daycare. And he is a happy and healthy child. He has also never been babysat. So, don't listen to your family. If you feel that your 1 year old child needs you then keep her close in your arms. They will be going to school soon enough.

Answer 2

I had a frightening experience with daycare when my girls were younger. My youngest was 4 months old when I tried to go back to work. I did research, the works on in-home daycare providers before I chose the one I thought was the best. This woman, 2 weeks after I started working took my infant OUT OF TOWN without a carseat. My oldest was 3, she still needed a carseat, but she was not in one, either. Needless to say, I quit working until both of my kids went to preschool and kindergarten because I was scared to death to leave my kids with anyone after that.
Your daughter is only a year old. I agree with those who said to make a playdate with another mom and child of the same/similar age where you can be present for the activity. Social skills are good for kids, but you can never be too sure of anything or anyone anywhere. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

What do YOU think? I don't think a child just over a year needs to be socialized. My first child was with just me all the time until she went to preschool for a few hours a week when she was three. She is a confident, happy five year old now who is enjoying Kindergarten with no problems. We call her our social butterfly in fact!

Also, kids that age don't play with each other. They will play side by side (parallel play) or totally ignore each other. A child will benefit most from being around other kids when they are around three. That's when they are learning to play dramatically and can communicate with each other.

Now if you need a break, there is nothing wrong with dropping her off for a few hours a week or whatever. But you don't have to! Don't let your family tell you how you feel!

Answer 4

I don't see anything wrong with leaving her with a daycare or preschool maybe one day a week. It would give you a little break and give her a chance to be around new people. She needs her mom and dad right now, but as long as you leave her with someone you trust, it wouldn't hurt her a bit. A mom that gets a break feels better and is a better mother. If you are truly worried about the social skills, I would have a play date with other moms, one where you were still there, and were able to teach her.. don't rely on someone else to show her the right way to treat others.. that's something you can do on your own.. she will learn them even if she doesn't go to preschool.

Answer 5

A one year old doesn't need to practice "social skills" really. She isn't old enough for cooperative play yet! Sure, get together with other parents and kids and play if you want, but it's no reason to stick her in daycare a couple of days a week! YOU are the parent, not all those other people. YOU know what is best for YOUR child and YOUR family. If you don't want her in a daycare (which is what it would be at this age.....she's not old enough for preschool).....then don't put her in one. PERSONALLY.....I believe a child that age belongs at home with mom unless the parents both HAVE to work.

Answer 6

All mommies need some alone time every now and then. If you're feeling like you are due for some, get a friend or family member to babysit for a couple hours daily,monthly or weekly -- do whatever you feel is best.

It's probably good to give your baby social time with other kids, but you can do that when you go to the park or go to friends homes. I wouldn't stress about it too much.

Remember, no one knows your baby like you do and you are the best judge of what you and your baby need or don't need.

Answer 7

It is very important for a child of one year to be with her mother, no question. It is also important for you to have time to yourself, to relax and recharge and to do other important tasks for you and your family. Your daughter will benefit from exposure to other adult care providers at this point (choose them well). And, although your daughter doesn't really need to interact with other children now, it certainly won't have a negative impact. By the time she's 2, she'll need it. Of course, you need to listen to your heart. Being stressed because your are not with your child or stressed because you are with her too much can have detrimental impacts on both of you. Good luck!

Answer 8

At that age kids don't really need social skills...they need mom and dad. I disagree with your family, but only to a point. I don't think she should be attached at the hip 24/7, but you shouldn't be leaving her with strangers because she needs 'social skills'.

Answer 9

I don't think they NEED to go somewhere else. They should be socialized, but they don't need to leave you to do that. I'm so scared to leave my baby with people, esspecially a nursery (or day care) when you don't presonally know these people. There are so many evil and nasty people in this world, you can not be too careful with your baby. Don't worry about what other people think. Do what you think is right. Meet another mom with a baby of similar age and hang out.

Answer 10

i stayed with my two daughters i dint take them any wear til they were older.i think the best time for that baby and you is quality time together. you can start teaching your baby the skills she needs you can make games while doing this and when you see your baby learn something new you will be the one too see and not be told about it by some one else and that in it self is one the greatest things in the world to see.