Elissa...

I would go batty if I had Shaun 24/7. I take my hat off to any mother that spends every minute with their child. I am sure I couldn't do it.

Not only do I think that Mums need some "me time" and a bit of a break... and adult company if necessary... I think that a child also needs some independant time away from mum. Shaun is an incredibly social little kid with no separation anxiety (as he's been in some form of day care since he was about 8-9 months old).

Shaun now goes to two centres.... He goes to family day care twice a week - as there are only 4 kids there, and he gets lots of attention from the carer.
And he goes to a community based 'occassional' care centre twice a week. They have 3 hour or 5 hour sessions... and there are about 10-14 kids his age.
He loves both of them. He gets all excited when we arrive and he just loves playing with other kids, and the different environment, and all the different toys.

If Archie has spent so much time with you - there is a good chance that he will get separation anxiety - and this could be really tough on your emotions. But maybe you should try it out... just do a few hours at a time... build up.

A friend of mine had to return to work (son two days younger then Shaun)... and she had to put him into full time care. She found it soooo difficult at first. He would get upset. She would go to work then phone them every hour. But now... 6 months later - they both love it! And he really is a happier little boy. He socialises much more then he did before.

The other thing I find is Shaun has usually been the "little" one (ie: in the younger end). But by being around slightly older kids - he has picked up lots of skills. The family day care lady said she is amazed how he plays - as he is just like a 3yo. The occassional centre said they've never known a kid (ie: shaun) to be so obsessed with jigsaw puzzles. And he has a little harem of girls. When he arrives - all the kids call out "shaunie....., Shaunie's here!!!!!!!!!"

Elissa... we all start off with ideas of how we will parent. But then the real world comes along. I never dreamt that I would have a child that sleeps so little. And personally, I think that it's best for your child to get some time out... as well as yourself.

The play group idea is also a good one... particularly if Archie struggles with the separation anxiety.
But I would certainly give day care a go. A happy healthy mum will make for a happy healthy child.

Mwa to you sweetie.

xxx