Here’s the secret: It’s less about the child’s age and more about your family’s vibe. Are you pulling your hair out at home? Start earlier. Do you have a village of grandparents helping out? Start later. Your sanity matters, okay? Don’t let Instagram influencers convince you otherwise.
Look for signs your child is ready. Do they wave at other kids in the park? Do they get bored of your amazing puppet shows? Do they try to escape the living room? Those are hints they’re ready for more social action. But even if they’re not ready, you’re allowed to send them for your own sake.
Most nurseries offer a settling-in period. You’ll stay for an hour, then leave for thirty minutes, then cry in your car (it’s a tradition). Use that time to see how they react. If they’re playing with a toy tractor and don’t notice you’ve gone, that’s a green light the size of a lorry.
