RP from ML kids starting new daycare soon, question

[tigress]

My 3 year old and 10 month old will be starting a new daycare/preschool in a week and a half. I freak out about change so I'm a bundle of worry about this.



3 year old has been in an in-home daycare since 3 months old (as has 10 month old since 3 months old). We pulled them both at the beginning of July and they have been staying home with MIL and SIL but they will be leaving next Friday so they are starting at the center.



10 month old will be totally fine. Not worried about that guy.



3 year old is going to scream bloody murder when I leave. I think she'll be fine afterwards though she is a stinker sometimes. Do you think it would be obnoxious for me to take a few hours off work that Monday morning and stick around with 3 year old for a while so she can get acclimated to the place? Would I be a super obnoxious parent by doing that? I know she is going to scream either way, but my thinking is maybe she won't feel so abandoned if I stay there and show her that she'll be ok there...



Thoughts?



Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/465887/kids-starting-new-daycare-soon#ixzz3hIa3hYSO

[arch01]

I might stop by, if possible, this week or next and take her there to see her new teachers/room and get her excited about a certain activity. Explain to the teacher(s) that there may be some anxiety so they can be prepared to distract her with that certain activity. Say goodbye and go.

DS has had a tough time on/off with DC and we talk about certain things that he really likes to do-typically they're activities he only gets to do at DC. It helps get him excited and look forward to going there.

Good luck!!

[lolo]

I think it is kind to be available to your child if s/he is having a hard time adjusting. My daughter does best when she gets familiar with a new situation more gradually, with me present. If that's the case with your son, I don't think it's at all unreasonable to stay for a bit his first day.

[jeaniebueller]

I would not stick around. I would talk up the new place, make it clear that you will be back at the end of the work day and make the goodbye short and sweet. I think by sticking around, your child may think that is the precedent and expect you to be able to be there.

[Deleted]

I would definitely schedule a "visit" in the next week so she can see and maybe try and prep for it a little. I would NOT stay the morning of.

[meij]

I'd suggest asking if you can drop in and doing a short visit prior to start day and have her meet her teachers. I would not suggest staying more than a couple minutes on drop off day. It's just going to prolong the inevitable and it really disrupts the day to have a parent sticking around. I also thought of it as a safety issue to not have daycare parents hanging around the classroom.

[spk926]

Go to the library and gets lots of books about a new school, going back to school and those type of topics. Have the librarians help you find them if needed.

Be prepared for a rough first week but I promise it will get better once they get used to the place and routine.

[tigress]

Thanks. Visiting beforehand to meet the teachers is a good idea. I'll try to schedule that. I know she'll adjust, but she already says she doesn't want to go, so I know its not gonna be good for a while.

[hski2349]

I agree with visiting before. I would say no to sticking around. I know with dd1 that just prolongs the drama. I would discuss with the teacher and/or director about your concerns with drop off. They will be able to help you determine what they think will be best with regards to drop off.

My dd has gone to the same daycare since she was about 7 months. She has been around the same kids and teachers and she will make a scene when I drop off. I always say I love you, give her a kiss and a hug and just leave. She is fine within about a minute or two. A lot of it with dd is just to see if i will stay longer. She knows how to work it.