Emotional Moms and Kids Adjusting to Childcare

This is so hard! I know that there is nothing more gut-wrenching than watching your child yearn for you as you leave them :(
That being said, here is what I know helps:
1.) go at the same time every day, hopefully during a consistant activity. (they know what to expect)
2.) don't linger for too long---a quick hug, kiss and "have fun," should do it.
3.) watch from a "hidden" vantage point or from cameras if you go to a facility that has them. However sad or hysterical my son has been at drop-off, it is literally less than 2 minutes before he begins playing happily with blocks or a book. I watched this for 2 weeks before I became convinced that he didn't cry for me all day.
4.) Call and check in with your provider. Let them know you want the truth---is your child having a hard time?
5.) Now that my son is 2, I let him bring 1 thing to show his "teacher" on tough days. It may be a "picture" he drew, or a book he likes. He gets so excited to "show" it off that he forgets he didn't want to go in the first place.

It still isn't easy for us, but the more consistant I am (and the less emotional-lol), the better it is for my son.

Good Luck!
-Heather

I agree, it's as much about your attitude as his.

Do all the tricks in the above post, but also, work with the teachers. It's not uncommon at 19mo regardless of how long he's been in daycare. My son went through the same thing at the same age and he'd been in daycare since 6mo.

It really helps if the teachers are supportive and can work with your child to distract him so you can sneak out.

It will take a little getting used to..
I know that I still have bouts where my daughter will cling to my leg to take me with her and it too breaks my heart but I know that it is just a temporary act. When I first placed my children in childcare there were days that I wanted to turn right back and pick them up but instead I would call the place and speak with a teacher and she would be honest and assure me that things were okay. He too may feel a little sad but it is a transition for him as well, I'm sure that he will adjust and be fine!! Take a deep breath, its all a part of being a "MOM" and that's why we all love it!! Hope all goes well for you and your son!

I totally understand
I have 4 myself and it was hard !
But I found with a great provider and setting the kids get use to it faster then you think
My twins were happy after about 2 minutes I was so happy when I saw that they didn't drive the provider crazy and I hope your little one gets the hang of it .
also good luck to you in staying strong !

i know how hard it is to leave your little one at childcare. My daughter is only 3 and a half months and has been going to childcare for two weeks now. I still cry all the way to work!! Just know that it is harder on the parents then it is on the kids!!! Keep your head up!

With experience in day cares, and from watching children in my home, usually after 2 weeks, the child becomes comfortable in the new atmosphere. Once before I received 2 new kids, and they both just cried when their mom left and if I left their sight, but now, they walk in like its home. Just give it some time and see if it gets better. After 2-3 weeks, if he is still crying or very unhappy, I would drop in at different times and see the atmosphere for yourself.
Usually the kids begin playing right after the moms leave. I had one child cry when the mom left and it wasn't 1 minute later that the boy went off to play.
In the past I left my 16 month old at a church nursery and he was totally fine and happy playing, but at another church nursery, he was crying and sobbing like I had never heard him. It makes me wonder what causes this, but If my child was unhappy on many occasions, I would definitely check in and view it for myself. Observe the day care teacher, view the other kids behaviour, rules, discipline, etc.
To make the transition easier on both, bring him inside and find a toy to interact with. Don't stay too long because this can make it harder on both. Explain to him that you have to go to work and you will be back. Good Luck!

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

Many days, I put on a smile, kissed him while I pryed his arms off of my neck and went back to the car to SOB! Believe it or not, as long as you child is in a safe, loving environment, "surviving" this adjustment and transistion is GOOD for him.

1) Happy, smiling, upbeat, QUICK goodbyes, show the child that you trust that he/she is safe and capable of adjusting. The child will pick up on any apprehension and feel insecure, if you are insecure.

2) let your child bring a little of his world to the sitter's and let him/her bring a little of the sitter's world home (toy, blanket, book, etc.)

3) Pick up at the SAME time, every day. Like puppies, they'll sense the time.

Good Luck!

"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein