Toddlers don’t play with each other. It is called parallel play- they play next to each other at the same time. That is, when they are not fighting over the same toy. They do find other people and other children interesting though, and I think they do benefit from being around other kids- whether it is siblings or kids in the park or arranged play dates. I doubt that a babysitter with several kids to look after and feed and diaper can give a 1-2 yr old the kind of stimulation and attention that a stay-at-home parent can. At that age, sending to a babysitter is done out of necessity, not for the child’s benefit. So the question is really, can the dad take care of the kids all day- will he handle nap time and feedings and entertaining/stimulating the kids? And, if he is working the night shift, when will he sleep?
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