Help On Deciding To Take A Family...

[WImom]

Normally the earliest age I will take is 2y old. I have a new 24m old DCB that is super busy and mouths EVERYTHING!! We are run like a preschool so I'm pretty structured. SOmeone just emailed me for 2 boys - 20 months and 3y. The hours are good - only until 4:30 which is the same as everyone else here.

I don't have high chairs or pack n plays and mom said he is already down to one nap. I did say I was concerned he may not stay on his cot or at the table at meals. She said at first he may not at the table or cot but that at the other daycare he did stay on a mat at nap. Will he really be that different than my new 24 month old? Trying to decide if I should just take the chance??

[Familycare71]

Could you meet him? I think there can be such a huge range in maturity around that mark! Def know some who could and some who wouldn't even be close! (Like my one dcb!).

[blandino]

I move my kids to mats at 18 months, a small learning curve at the beginning, but usually no problems. The table might be messy, but he should stay after a little "rinse and repeat". Maybe meet with them and see where he is at ?

[Blackcat31]

I would make FULL use of the two week trial period.

I've had 15 month old kids sleep on mats and use unlidded cups and sit at the table with no issues and then I've had 3 yr olds that were more on par with an 18 month old....so honestly I don't think you will really know if it's doable unless you try it.

I currently have a booster seat that sits on a regular chair that I use for my 18 month old. It doesn't have a tray, it just gives the little one a boost so they are the same height as everyone else.

If you need to fill spaces, give it a try. I'd rather try and term than not know/try at all...kwim?

[Crazy8]

I would give it a try. I don't have anyone OVER 2.5 right now and they've all been sitting at the table for meals for at least a year, the only one in a booster is my 8 month old! I move to mats by about 2 years old - all depends on maturity level but also because they've all been here since infancy where they were used to the pack n play first. If I start a child over 18 months old I go straight to the mat.

I think seeing all the older kids doing it does wonders for an almost 2 year old. I wouldn't have any trouble giving it a try in this case!

[cheerfuldom]

yup, give it a try. two of my kids would have been able to be in a preschool environment at this age, no problem whatsoever. now my middle one is barely getting the hand of a structured environment and she is over 4 years old. i would certainly give this one a chance because its a sibling set with an early pickup and the other new child wasnt fitting in well anyway. I am guessing you would term the 24 month old to take the littler one?

[WImom]

Thanks! Still keeping the other new DCB for now. I think his biggest issue is that he is tired! He was a two naps and now at one at my house and gets here at 6:45! He also has never been in daycare so I'm hoping by early Oct. he will be much better since he is here full time. I think I'll interview this other family.