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I just put my son at childcare when he turned 2 years old, because of changes in our family that allowed us to do so! My son doesn't have any friends at all, and he doesn't interact with any kids either - so he ended up with this fear of other kids, especially when they babble/talk a lot (he has speech delay so he gets really overwhelmed). I am a freelancer that works from home, but I put him into childcare mainly for social interaction - and to let him learn and explore things that we don't at home. Other than that, it was also partly to free up my time - I'm now able to use the extra time to take care of myself (gym, run errands, study for certification, shower etc) and do my work without having to worry that my parents are letting him watch too much YouTube. He also loves school a lot and learnt to be independent even after just 2 weeks in school so that was something I'm really thankful for!
it really depends, I withdraw my kid after a month of playgroup when he was just 18 months old. I feel he was too young for it and crying way too much everyday and he was so tired. I decided to home school him and only send him for a twice weekly parent accompanied play group to socialize with some friends. over time he got used to mingling with friends and especially with adults. he is very social and exihibits empathy. not sure if he learnt that in school or from home hahahahaha! I think going to school at a young age surely has it's advantages too!
We're not great in Chinese so at 10 months we put our child in Chinese playgroup- learn more about Chinese, get exposure in a fun way. I also tried Julia gabriel English trial lessons when he was 1.5years but for that, we felt not much point to put him in because he gets English exposure at home. Actually when kids are so young they can't play together... normally kids only start to play with other kids at about 3.
I would agree with ur hubby. Playgroup is about 2-3hrs a day and it is mostly for socialising and build independence for your LO. Mine is 20months and just started playgroup. And i notice she knows alot more than what playgroup teachers are teaching. So depends on what u r looking for. If u r thinking "educational" wise, staying home and taught by u is beta in my opinion. :)
Playgroup is more for interation and socializing I feel that it's good exposure. Unless you have play dates for your bub. Otherwise it's a good balance to have playgroup and be a sahm. Also that's the time for you to have a short break and self care.
To me, playgroup is more social interaction and exposure to others. Learning to share and knowing that it's not all about them unlike home.
It really depends on what you believe. I feel that playgroup helps the child to be exposed. It can't be compared to full day care of course.