can't cut those apron strings!

I am (like any Mum) a little worried about sending DD to day care. She starts kindy (pre-prep) in 2012, she is 3 years old now. She starts pre-prep at age 4. Part of me would like to send her to a day care centre next year for some other kid interaction and get a little routine going before pre-prep. It's $88 a week for 2 days which is a bit of a chunk out of the family budget as I stay at home. I have been to a few centres, some kids are crying and some teachers just leave them. I dunno, I am not sure I can cut these darn apron strings to be honest but I know it would be good for her too, being selfish I think!! Just need some advice on how you took the plunge! Is it ok to want them to be home with you until pre-prep (age 4)?

Thanks for your help!

Of course it's ok to keep them home if that's what you feel is best.
Don't, whatever you do, send her to a childcare centre or kindy if you have any doubts about the standard of care there.

I don't think you're being selfish at all. You don't have to send her to child care before she goes to kinder. There are lots of other things you can do for her socially - Playgroups, Kindergym, there's music programs for toddlers and story time at the library.

My DD stayed at home with me until she started preschool (aged 4). The other two will also be staying home until they are old enough for preschool too. That is why I am a SAHM! :D

For what its worth, I have seen a big difference that just one year can make to a child's willingness and ability to be happy and content without 'mum' being present. My DD would have been happy to go to school earlier - that is her personality. My DS1 is not at the stage yet where he is happy for me to leave him places where I am not in eyesight, but the time he starts preschool (2012) I expect he will be - and it gives me a year to gradually ease him into being more independant and get him excited about pre-school.

Kids will learn to cope if you do put them in care before they feel ready, but if you don't have to, and you don't want to; then wait, and they will likely get ready for it in there own time. And you can build the excitment and work on trying to ease any potiential seperation anxiety 'before' you get there.
:D

I kept my eldest at home with me until preschool (aged 4) too.

you don't have to do anything you don't want to! my ds1 is starting kinder next year- he'll be 3.5 yrs old. he has always been home with me and we do lots of play dates, swimming, mothers groups and even just go out for babycinos with friends. he loves it and so do i.

thanks everyone, i know i don't have to do it. i just feel she's ready, she loves other kids. we went to a centre today and there are in fact vacancies for pre-prep (age 3-5) next year. she didn't want to leave. loved it there. i can go twice a week (for say an hour at morning tea) and stay with her until she gets used to it, then i think i should really enrol her, i think she'll really benefit. i'm such an overprotective mummy me thinks! thanks again for your replies!