I don't have DD in any kind of daycare. I have looked into it. We could afford for her to go for 2 full days a week. That is pushing it, but we could do it. And then we couldn't do anything else (like MOPS or the gymnastics class).

I am taking college courses online (from our junior college here). SO I could really use DD not being home 2 days a week to get more work done. But I can just wait until DH comes or or DD goes to bed to do a lot of it.

What I am worried about is that I am not giving DD enough time, socially, with other kids. I also worry that she's not getting all the schooling daycare kids are getting.

Does it sound like I am doing enough? Too much? What do all you other SAHM's do? Is it just you and your child all day? Do you do MOPS or MOMS or some other group?? Should I even be worrying about this?

DD is somewhat ahead verbally for her age. And she can count some and knows most of her colors...etc, etc, etc. So I really don't know if I need to be worrying about her not being in a preschool environment. It just seems that most kids are nowadays....

So, PLEASE, any advice or stories would be appreciated! I would love to know people whose kids have turned out okay by being home alone with mom so much.... I was like that as a kid (but my little brother was around once I turned 2) and I turned out okay.... at least I think so...

Anyway, thank you for reading this far. And thanks in advacne for any responses. (And I hope no one minds me writing this on the Parents forum too).

-Tara W

Personally, I think my son really needs the interaction with other kids.(and I need the interaction with other grown ups!) There are plenty of free ways to do this, though. Network with the moms at gymnastics, start getting together for a play date every once and awhile- it's a good experience for your daughter to learn important things like sharing, as well as the joy of making friends. DS has a few close friends, and I can't tell you how much joy they bring him, even at 3 yrs old.

The park is another great place to meet moms and kids.

In our town, there is also the Parks and Recreation guide that generally has a few 'mommy n me' type classes. less expensive than daycare but a good way to make friends for her.

I'm a SAHM and DS is in a home based daycare a few hours a week. My husband works long hours, and I do not have any family members close by that can help to relieve the monotony of SAHM-ness. For us, I know it's better that I get a small break a few hours a week than sit at home being unhappy with the same-ness of it all. I know it's not like that for everyone, but I really need a break now and then.

DS loves his daycare provider, who is now like family to us. I get a much needed break, and DS gets an opportunity to play, sing, dance and have fun with other kids. It's perfect for both of us.

There are also co-op preschools that are MUCH less expensive, do require a few days per month of work, but would offer your daughter the stimulation she might enjoy.

You might consider taking her to observe a preschool you are interested in and could afford. If she responds enthusiastically and really enjoys herself, maybe she is ready for more stimulation than she's getting at home.

Since all kids are different, only you can really determine what she needs. Good luck! :)

I think for what you are doing with her, and have going on...I'd say stick with your "outings", and if you need the day or two to yourself, put her in another enviroment that you agree with. Daycare with some "preschool" type activities, even just a small in home daycare...Something that benefits both of you.

My biggest advice...relish the time you have with just one...
It gets a bit more difficult the more you add to it...
3 is alot of work! :o)

My kids are a 12yr.old son and a 15 yr.old daughter and neither went to preschool and they are doing very well in school. My daughter and son both went to dance class for one hour a week and sunday school once in a while.. but that was about it for the social stuff. They didn't have any problems interacting with the other kids in kindergarten.

I think you should enjoy having your daughter at home until she has to go to school, because once they start the years just fly by soooooo fast. You would still need to teach her the basic stuff. Colors, and shapes about age 2-3, and then recognizing and writing the alphabet and numbers and learning to cut and glue and tie shoes ages 3 1/2-5. If she learns easy like it sounds like she does, she will do fine.

It sounds like the group she is in is great!

Also, there are many fun computer learning software programs out there now that they didn't have when my kids were little. I do in home child daycare for a living now and we use lots of those and we bought thick preschool learning books to let the 3 and 4 yr olds do worksheets out of. They even say the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

God Bless You and your family!