My current babysitter is going out of town for a few months, so we are enrolling my 2 yr old daughter in daycare in the interim. She has been babysat at home since she was born, so this will be a huge change. She still has separation anxiety and quite clingy with me.
I'm a bit anxious how her transition will go. Has anyone experienced what I will be going through? Will it be difficult?
Well she is set to begin October 8th, next Monday. I am very nervous esp the fact she has never been left alone at a place (other than being home with the sitter, or with my mom). I'm not looking forward to her getting sick often or her waking up early on weekends due to the weekday schedule. However we have no choice, and I think it will be very good for her to begin with. If it all goes well, we may consider keeping her there part time and part-time at home, just so she keeps getting that experience. Wish me luck. Thanks for your responses...
set a routine
meet the teachers
don't hang around after drop off
be firm in reminding her that you will come back
don't promise her you will be outside in the hallway
I agree with the other mother. I have a nanny but my 2 1/2 year old recently started preschool - and she is clingy. We talked about how fun school would be that no mommy's or nanny's but that we will pick her up.
She still cried! For an hour the first day, then 15 minutes then last week, she didn't cry. But it was key that I didn't linger. If you linger, then they think the crying works. It will be hard and you will feel horrible, but it is more horrible for you than her - she will end up having fun.
I also recommend that maybe you can ease her into it - maybe not leave her for full days the first week, if you can manage it.
I just started my one year old in daycare about a month ago. First week was really bad as he cried on and off the first day...He cried for the first week and would latch on to my neck and not let go every morning. I'm lucky b/c the daycare is 1 minute away from my work, so I dropped by a lot that first week. Second week, he still cried but not as much when I dropped him off. Third week, he would just hold on to me but then be ok when the teacher took him. This week, he jumps out of my arms to go play and check out if there are any cheerios! Just hang in there. She'll get use to it but it is an adjustment.
I just started my 2.5 yr old in a class for 45 minutes once a week. She has been with me since the day she was born. I just took her in the class room ( a place we have been before so it was familiar) and told her mommy would be back. She was fine. Try not to say a long goodbye and act like it is no big deal, worked for me. Good Luck!
