Nursery goodbyes

[c737]

Hi everyone,

Got a really clingy 22 month old who's just started nursery two days per week. She seems to enjoy it once she's there but cries a lot when I drop her off.

Was just wondering what other parents do/did at drop off time - do you let key worker distract with an activity and quietly leave or do you make a point of saying goodbye and drawing attention to the fact you're leaving? Obviously it's easier to distract and leave but worried this might not be the best approach in the long run.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

[winchester1]

We always say goodbye but make it quick. Ours has gone through phases of crying and other days running away to.play.

[Mikethenignt1996]

My 3 year old started nursery in September, he's older but I'm guessing the same approach goes...
They told me its best to just go, and that he is absolutely fine once I'm gone.
I would walk away crying myself!
So personally I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, just say you're going shopping/work (somethings boring that she dislikes) and that you will see her later. Make sure she knows you will come back to her.
It will take a while, my 3 year old still has his wobbly days, but all in all he's much better than he was in September when he first started.
Keep strong at drop off, it's horrible but will get easier.

[wafflerinchief]

i say goodbye, quickly, then as soon as the nursery worker moves to distract, I beat it as fast as possible without looking back. 2nd DD is just doing the 'mum-mum-mum' at drop offs now and I've found with experience if you've got to go, you've just got to beat it. If they're happy at pick up and you see them happy with their careworker, I wouldn't otherwise worry.

[Hellohello1234]

My LO took a couple of months to stop crying when I dropped him off - he also does 2 days a week and started nursery when he was just over 12 months old. He's almost 18 months now and usually goes in ok although still likes to cling on for dear life, the tears seem to have stopped. I find it's easiest just to be quick as they soon calm down once you've left. I also found after a holiday the tears came back for a bit, all quite normal and expected.