socialization

EmilyStL

So I work full time and my DD is cared for by a combination of my DH, MIL/FIL, and my mom.  I'm very happy with this setup, but, at 19 months, I'm wondering whether she needs more socialization with other kids.  Currently, the extent of her exposure to her peers is a weekly 45 minute music class, and weekend get-togethers that happen maybe 1-2x per month, if we're lucky.  If I was home with her, I'd take her to playgroups during the week, but I'm not going to ask my DH, mom, or MIL to go hang out with a bunch of moms that they've never met.  I've thought about sending her to daycare for just a couple days a week, but I'm not sure that's the best solution either.  I will for sure have her go to preschool once she's eligible, but that's still years from now.  I'm wondering if I need to do more at this point.  Any comments or advice?

kenyakeetah

Could they not take her to a local park, find the busier times she can then watch, learn and interact there....

Or perhaps set up small play dates with a friend or two who they can meet with once a week, someone your family may be comfortable with  

kcisthebombdotcom

I think a music class once a week is fine for a kid under 2 since you're sending her to preschool at 3.

Just to touch upon something you mentioned--we go to story time at the library and there's always grandparents/nannies there--it's not solely SAHMs. You could always give her the schedule of when your local library holds story time for your DD's age range with the caveat that you don't expect her to take her, just that you thought it would be something fun for the two of them to get out of the house.

 

SusieBW

I agree with KC's idea about story time maybe being something fun for them to get out of the house, but I also agree with all the PPs that you're fine with the arrangement you have, and I wouldn't worry about it.

Another idea - Do your parents/ILs have any friends with grand kids that they spend time with?  My DH's aunt watches DD a few days a week, and it seems like at least once a week, they go out for lunch with one of his aunt's friends and her granddaughter, who's about 6 months older than my DD.  So the girls sit in their high chairs together and play and share lunches and everything.  It's a nice way to get out of the house, like KC said, and nice for DD to have someone her own age to interact with.

gatchison

What about more of a mommy's day out program once or twice a week rather than full fledged day care? We just started my 14 month old in one at the beginning of the month. He goes twice a week from 9-2. I've got DS2 on the way so I thought it would be good for him to have a social outlet for the pregnancy when I'm not really feeling the best to get him out and about, as well as for when I have a newborn I know it will be nice for DS1 to be able to get out twice a week, play and socialize.

 The first couple days for us were rough because he didn't want to nap there and refused most of his food there. But he has been acclimating so quickly and by week three I'm already seeing the benefits of the program. They have a music class once a week and a 'fitness' class once a week and DS has been coming home more verbal than he was, doing funny little dance moves and all sorts of other things. When I picked him up yesterday he was too busy playing blocks with another boy to notice I was there. It's been really exciting to see him start to blossom socially. 

 Since I stay home I chose MDO twice a week vs day care because I feel like five hours twice a week is plenty of time. I like that he gets just a bit of socializing without being gone for a full work day when I don't really have the need for that, plus it's a bit cheaper than daycare I believe. Just an idea for you...

 

cma1215

My Dad watches my daughter and he takes her to places like the Library for story time.  The first time they went he was nervous, but it got get easier!!!  It is only 30 min a week so not to much.  Check with the park district they may have an open gym time for your little one as well. That way they wont feel to uncomfortable.  Remember they want to watch your little one to, so they may not mind going to different activities.   

StrikeGirl

I watch our son but he goes into the child center at the gym just about every day and is around other kids for about 90 minutes. Unless you were looking for something to do with the child, the gym has been great place for him to get some social time.

EmilyStL

Thanks so much for the suggestions and reassurance.  She is taken to the playground during the day regularly, and I think I'll make a point to take her there when I get home in the afternoons for as long as we have daylight and nice weather.  I'm going to look up library story times right now, that's a really good idea and I think her grandmas would be very open to taking her to something like that.  I like the MDO program idea, too.  Hadn't thought of that but it could work!