The question was not whether the young toddler (we’re talking about a 1 yr old here also) needs stimulation, but whether he needs to be with a bunch of other toddlers in a play-group type of situation, whether it gives something that a parent cannot provide at home. I would say no. Most parents, when they need to send their very young children out will search for a babysitter situation that most resembles the home/mother setting- a loving babysitter with as few other children as possible, so she can address the child’s needs, or maybe even one who comes to the child’s home. I remember checking out a babysitting situation for my 1.5 yr old- there were 2 women with about 8 toddlers. Lots of stimulation there! They changed diapers assembly line fashion- every kid got changed once each morning, with their little knapsacks lined up on the bed, each kid got changed one after the other whether they needed it or not (didn’t notice any hand-washing in between). I imagine dirty diapers got attention even when not on schedule, but not wet ones.
Interaction is important, stimulation, playing, but you don’t have to be another 1 yr old to provide this for the child, the parent can provide these things and so much more. At some point, as the toddler gets older, he will benefit from “playing” with other kids. Don’t forget there are 2 kids involved here- so they have the built-in playmate and presence in the room that you are talking about, LB.
But in this case, I am not sure that the parent can provide this for the kids. The father is going to get a night’s sleep (6-7h) while the 2 kids nap? The kids must be very well trained to always go down for their naps at the same time for the same amount of time. Nap needs/times for 1 and 2 year olds are usually very different. This would make for a very sleep deprived parent. Would that very tired father hear the kids’ crying while he sleeps? If he is only sleeping while they nap, would he not doze off while he was watching them? I would suggest that they send the kids out in the morning so that he gets full sleep, and then he can watch them in the afternoon.
Menu