HELP! Trouble adjusting to daycare

[akolo99]

I have been home w/my 28 month old for 1 year and just started he and my 7 month old in daycare this week b/c I'm going back to work. They are going PT (M/W/F) initially because I didn't want to put them in FT all of the sudden. My 7 month old is doing much better than I expected considering his attachment to me, but my toddler is doing worse. I expect some of the crying and clinging, but he gets completely hysterical and even after I leave he lays on the couch most of the day refusing to interact w/the other kids and staff. Any idea how long it takes for kids this age to adjust? I'm hearing from the staff that he should start getting better by next week, but is reactions are so extreme that I'm worried it will take longer...

[always4myfamily]

Every child is different and will react different. They are going to miss you and dont want change. So its a big deal to them. Every day tell them whats going to happen and just talk to them. At night before they go to bed tell them whats going to happen the next day. let them know they are big kids now and mommy has to go to work for a little while. It will take time. Make sure the daycare is taking good care of them and giving them attention also. If you can just drop in a few times without notice and see how they are treating yoru kids. It will take time though. I know its hard.

Scarlet Thorne
Helping others work at home and be with their families.
www.always4myfamily.com

[mar_at_only4moms]

Some kids take a little longer than others, but separation anxiety is hard on both kids and moms.

Before you drop off your child try to build up daycare, "You're going to have so much fun today!" Talk about the things they do in school, water play, paint, etc. Ask your child to make you a special picture - that'll give him something to focus on. And make sure you make a big deal over the picture, when he does make one for you.

Here's a tip you may like. Tie a piece of curly ribbon around his wrist, button hole or belt loop. Tell him whenever he sees the ribbon, it means that you are close by, and that you love him.

It really is hard, but it'll get better.