Is 18 Months Too Early For Nursery: Benefits and Things to Consider

Many parents wonder whether to send their 18-month-old to nursery or keep them at home a little longer to become more independent. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal age for starting nursery varies across different cultures. 

Ultimately, the decision depends on family circumstances and the individual child’s readiness. However, experts suggest that the period between 10 and 18 months is a prime time for developing social skills and personality. Therefore, starting nursery early during this stage can offer numerous benefits. 

The decision of whether to send an 18-month-old to nursery ultimately rests on careful consideration and individual circumstances.

Thinking about sending your little one to school? It’s a big decision, but it can be a great one! Starting school early can offer numerous advantages for your child’s development.

1. Expert Care and Nutritious Meals

A common concern among parents is whether their child will receive adequate care in a nursery setting. However, most nursery teachers are highly trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for young children. With their expertise and nurturing approach, they create a safe and stimulating environment that supports your child’s growth.

Nurseries also offer well-planned meals that provide the essential nutrients your child needs to thrive. The menus are typically varied and packed with vitamins and minerals to encourage healthy eating habits.

2. A Language Boost for Your Toddler

One of the biggest benefits of sending your 18-month-old to nursery is the rapid development of their language skills. Surrounded by other children and caring adults, your child will have plenty of opportunities to practise talking and listening.

From group activities to one-on-one interactions with their teachers, school provides a rich language environment that helps children learn new words and improve their pronunciation.

3. Enhanced Learning and Cognitive Development

School provides a stimulating environment that supports your child’s cognitive development. With the help of qualified teachers, children learn through play and exploration, developing important skills like problem-solving and creativity.

From singing and dancing to arts and crafts, school offers a wide range of activities that cater to your child’s growing mind. As a result, they become more confident, independent, and ready to take on new challenges.

>> Read more: 15 Cognitive Development Activities for Children

4. Easy Adaptation to a New Environment

Many parents worry about sending their 18-month-old to nursery too early. In fact, this age is an ideal time for children to start adapting to a new environment. At this age, they’re usually more open to new experiences and less clingy to their parents.

If you wait until your child is older to start nursery school, they may find it harder to adjust to a new routine and make new friends. The transition away from home can be more difficult for older children, leading to anxiety and fear.

By starting nursery early, your child will have plenty of time to become familiar with their new surroundings and form positive relationships with their peers and teachers. This can help them develop important social skills and build confidence.

5. Developing Independence

Nursery is the perfect environment for children to learn independence. Teachers guide children through everyday tasks, such as self-feeding, dressing themselves, and tidying up their toys. Through these experiences, children develop good habits and learn to take responsibility for their own actions.

Additionally, interacting with peers helps children learn to share, cooperate, and be considerate of others.  These experiences help them build strong friendships and develop a sense of belonging.

6. Learning to Follow Rules

Nursery is like a mini-society where children learn to live with others. They learn about rules and routines, such as taking turns, waiting patiently, and respecting others’ opinions. These experiences help children develop good habits and become well-rounded individuals.

Deciding to send your child to nursery is a significant milestone. To ensure a smooth transition, parents should consider the following:

1. Choosing the Right School

Carefully research potential nurseries, considering factors such as curriculum, facilities, staff qualifications, and whether the setting aligns with your child’s personality and needs.

2. Getting Your Child Ready

In the weeks leading up to the start of school, excite your child by talking about the fun things they can do there, such as making new friends and playing games. This will help reduce anxiety and build anticipation.

It’s also a good time to start getting them used to a new routine. For instance, you could start adjusting their sleep schedule to match nursery hours, and introduce a regular mealtime routine to prepare them for nursery’s feeding times.

3. Gathering Essentials

Help your child feel like a big kid by involving them in preparing their bag with essentials like a water bottle, spare clothes, etc.

4. Happy Goodbyes On The First Week

Starting a nursery can be a big step for both child and parent. Many nurseries offer an adaptation period to help make the transition smoother. During this time, children gradually increase the amount of time they spend at nursery. A key element in making this process easier is saying goodbye with a smile. Short, cheerful farewells can help alleviate separation anxiety and create a positive start to the nursery day.

5. Open Communication with Teachers

Regularly communicate with your child’s teacher to stay updated on their progress and discuss any concerns.

Located in Thao Dien, District 2, La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh International school offers a high-quality education for children as young as 18 months.

With a bilingual French-English curriculum, La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh provides children with exposure to two cultures, fostering language development and critical thinking skills. The modern learning environment and experienced teachers create a stimulating space for children to explore the world around them.

We hope this article has helped you decide whether or not to send your 18-month-old to school. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh for personalised advice.