Socializing babies - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

E1979 · 07-21-2008, 07:29 PM

My 12 month old son does not go to daycare. I only work 4 days a week and my in-laws and my mother spilt those 4 days I am at work. I sometimes worry that he isn't around other children enough. I have a few friends that have kids around his age but they are always so busy that scheduling playdates is almost impossible! My brother just had a little girl but she's still too young for playing with her cousin.
So for those of you out there that babies aren't in daycare, do you wonder about their development as far as being around other children? Am I damaging my son by having him stay home instead of daycare? I was thinking of starting swimming lessons again or something once the summer is over. But that's only like an hour or two a week. Would that be enough?
Am I just worrying for nothing here? Thanks!

AlexaIn2006 · 07-21-2008, 08:39 PM

I believe it is better for the child to be at home rather than in daycare. You can teach your child everything for yourself from values, manners, how to play and learn and be silly, etc. I began to take Alexa to playdates when she was about 18 months. For the most part, they will not play with the other children, but they like to play around each other. I joined a Mom meetup group in my area and we meet at different parks, Sea World, the Zoo, Legoland, etc. in San Diego. I have made a couple of great freinds from the group and they will now bring their children to my home (because we have the most toys!) and our daughters will play. My daughter is now two and they are starting to play together. Do not believe for a minute that daycare is better for your child than you are. There is so much you can do with your little one, just start at the park. Swimming lessons and activities like that are great to start with. Next spring when Alexa turns 3 she is starting Karate. And I may get her into some gymnastics this fall and winter.

LauraLu · 07-21-2008, 08:51 PM

I definitely agree with the previous poster. You are going to be number one right now in your son's life. He may be interested in other babies when he sees them in the grocery store or in the park, but he's not going to want to "play" with them just yet.
Madeline has twin nephews that are 16 months old and right now the three of them just fight over toys and walk over each other. It's funny to watch, but it's all just parallel play.
Like the previous poster said, daycare is no substitute for your child. I am very blessed to have my mother keep Madeline for me while I teach. While daycare can be a wonderful thing, I also believe more children get sick going to daycare. And let's face it - no one is going to love your child like YOU (or grandma).
I think that when your son gets older you may want to start doing some classes together, like swimming. Right now, he's just taking in the sights and loving it!

janewhite1 · 07-21-2008, 09:19 PM

I agree, for the first couple of years, he gets everything he needs from interaction with adults. If he never ever saw another kid until he started school, that might not be the best thing, but he's not really ready to play with others much yet. Definitely, he's better off with lots of individual attention from Mom and Grandmas!

Delia79 · 07-22-2008, 05:27 AM

Not that it matters all that much, but I just wanted to say that I agree with everyone else as well.

Ella stays with my MIL for 5 hours a day 4 days a week while I work. My MIL does not watch any other children, so it's just Ella. I am blessed that my MIL was a school teacher for 27 years because she really teaches her so much and I feel it's really beneficial. I worried about this too because my best friends girl goes to day care. A few months ago we had them over to go swimming and Ella wouldn't have anything to do with her daughter. Actually, she cried each time my friend's daughter even tried to touch her. I was a little concerned about it at the time, but the last few times we've been with them, Ella has been perfectly fine. And again, like the others say, they pretty much play near one another, not with one another. So I think you are doing the right thing, try not to worry!