I believe it depends on the child. DD1 was very needy from birth. I had to go back to work when she was 5 months so I left her with my mother. She had been with my mother heaps before that but she still screamed and screamed. I had no other choice but to work so I couldn't be home with her but at least I knew that my mom was holding her and cuddling her. Eventually she became so attached to my mom that she didn't want to come home at night. When she was 18 months old, my mom asked if we could put her into daycare for 2 days a week to give her some stimulation. She was there for 2 days and the carers told us that if we had any other option, we must try that rather. She cried continuously and was not ready to be without her Nanna or parents. I quit working when she was 2 and have not worked since. I put her into Kindy this year and she did not cope again. She is still a very needy child and separation anxiety gets her every time.

There are some children who run into Kindy the first day and tell their mothers to leave. Each child has their own temprement. Of course, from my experience, I now say that it is better for a child to be home with their mother and I'm glad DD2 has had that experience.

Good luck with your decision.