Leaving My Little Girl in Daycare

J.,

It's so hard to leave your baby someplace, especially if you have an active imagination (like I do). My son is very clingy, so it is always difficult to leave him with someone. He doesn't even like it if he, his dad, and I are in the room together and I leave to use the bathroom! He always gets over it as soon as I'm out of sight though. But it breaks my heart to hear him cry.

He started daycare in October, when he was 13 months old. It took him a few weeks to adjust, but now he's very attached to the woman who cares for him. He goes to her with open arms. That makes me feel a lot better.

It will be difficult at first (more for you than for her), but hang in there and you will relax a little more each time you drop her off. Just remember that it's for her benefit and yours. She'll get some social interaction, and you'll get the rest you need to be a better mom.

Sincerely,

T. Q

HOw old is your daugther? Just be aware that she may be in the age range where Separation Anxiety is normal. When you drop her off she may cry and cling to you but usually it is just a normal develomental stage. My daughter is 14 months old and has been attending the same daycare since 7 months old. She LOVES her friends and teachers and would run into her classroom every morning. But a few weeks ago she started having separation anxiety. As soon as I leave she stops crying and runs off to play with her friends (I watch through the window). Your dream reminded me a little of my experiences. But I have to say social interaction is so vital for little ones and I think you are making a good decision putting her in part time. Good luck!

Hi, first try not worry so much ;-) What's very important though is NOT to let your little girl see you upset. If you're stressed, she'll get stressed. Don't hang around the school when you drop her off. The longer you hang out and she sees you the harder it will be for both of you. She may cry but she'll get over it. Allow both of you sufficient transition time. Don't give up. I would get her excited and happy by telling her that she's going to meet other children to play with, that she's going to have such a good time playing etc. Ask her what she thinks she will want to play with the new children etc. And once she starts always ask her about her day and tell her what you did while she was gone. If she cries redirect her by telling her what fun she'll have/what fun she had etc. Ask her about her teachers. As for you mommy, you'll be fine. You're doing the right thing by letting her go to daycare. She needs the social interaction at this age. Keep in mind she'll learn good and not so good from the other children ;-) Keep positive by reminding yourself that you are confident in the school and that you're doing this for her. You need the time for yourself. You deserve it. Plus, a happy mama = a happy child. I know you'll both be just great! :-)

I would bet there's not a mother out there that didnt have guilt and sadness and fear when they started taking thier children to daycare! It'll be hard at first (I cried more than my kids did the first week!!) but it will get better! Be happy you found a place that you are comfortable leaving her at!

Man, you bring back memories of my daughter, she is now 18. When she was 3 I sent her to Preschool which back then started at 3. I was so sad and felt so guilty. What I did was when I took her I stayed just a minute to make sure she was good, then I cried...LOL. I couldn't help it. I was so sad and wondered if she would be scared. I walked out of the class room and just looked in through the window on the door. To my suprise, she was the happiest little camper. It made me feel bad cuz I thought and in a way hoped she wanted me...LOL. She just started playing with the other kids and when I picked her up I showed up a little early to watch from the window again and she was just playing and enjoying herself. Don't worry, she will be fine. Kids have such ADD when they are young, they will forget you as soon as they see the toys all around them. You will see.