I have a similar problem with my 18mth old son. When i work my dad has him and when he has him my little boy has 100% undivided attention from him. EVen when he comes home i have to cook tea, wash up etc etc etc and he doesn`t get the same attention from me.
I have to work, i can`t afford not to, and my little boy has to be looked after.
I would much rather leave him with someone he trusts and loves rather than a roomful of strangers ie a nursery group etc..
I`ve sorted out my day so that apart from cooking, all of my jobs are left until my son is in bed. That way i can give him as much of my time as possible.