When my daughter was that age I *really* needed occasional breaks from her as well. The toddler years were thrilling but demanding and exhausting. We had a part-time nanny care for and play with her a couple of afternoons a week, which was wonderful. She really needed the one-on-one attention and would not have done as well at preschool (though we did try one, briefly). I suspect, as with most things, it depends a lot on the child. But the bottom line is that if you need some downtime, it is in the whole family's best interests that you get it, one way or another! For a couple of years I was also religious about taking a "mom's night out" every week or two, either with a friend or alone. Just getting away from home without the tot for a few hours to see a movie or have dinner and conversation was soooo restorative.
