When do you think is a good age to start childcare? Would love to hear what age worked for you and why.

Choosing the best time to participate in group activities or put your child in care will depend on their personality as well as your family's work schedule. There is no perfect age and each child will adjust to the care environment in a different way. You know your child's personality better than anyone else – consider the following questions as you go about choosing when to put your child in care: Is your child confident with new people and quick to make new friends? Does he or she adjust well to new and/or unfamiliar environments? Is your child easily overwhelmed by noise and activity? Is your child a physically active little person who wants to take part in everything or more of an observer? When thinking about care for children under five think about group size and the level of stimulation. Ideally, the younger the child the smaller the group should be, so that noise and activity levels can be moderated. Think about the consistency of the group – if your child's care environment is comprised of carers and children who are the same week after week it will enable your child to develop lasting friendships and relationships and a comfortable foundation for personal development. Children in less stable care environments spend more time meeting new people than they do building lasting relationships. Even if you are a full time stay at home parent, it can be helpful for children to gain experience in a group care environment before they start school so they are comfortable being looked after by adults other than their parents. Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect age to put your child in care as it varies for everyone. Try and relax in to your decision and your positive approach will have a great effect on your child.