Any advice for leaving my DD in a one-off day care situation for the very first time at 16mo

[margoandjerry]

I have an event to go to on Sunday and childcare is provided. It's a nursery and my DD has always been looked after at home with a very loved nanny (though she goes to drop ins with her nanny every day). I know this is something most people will have gone through already but I am a little worried about leaving her there - she has never been left before and I suppose is likely to get upset (though they can always surprise you I guess).

There are breaks so I can go back and play with her then and at lunchtime and the day is only 10-4. And obviously if she is inconsolable the nursery staff would come and get me. But are there any tips on making it easier?

I don't really want to leave her with family on that day as it's a sort of family event so it would be nice for her to be there at lunch and to meet some of the other children who are part of this community iykwim.

Sorry if this is just too silly an inquiry. Am just a bit nervous.

[singyswife]

How old is she???

[margoandjerry]

Sorry - 16 months old. She has no problems when I leave in the morning - she loves her nanny to bits. And from what you can tell at this early stage, she is quite sociable. But this is quite different from anything she's experienced before.

[shrinkingsagpuss]

Can you arrive a little early with her so that she can see you interacting postitively with the carers?

I always found DS and DD are much happier left with people if they have seen me relaxed and smiling with them.

Mind you, ym children would go off with ANYONE.... hmmmmmm. sometimes have to drag DS out of nursery.

[allegrageller]

Hi Mand J
followed link from your other thread

As a practised 'detachment parent' (eek burn the witch, etc) I can assure you she will be FINE- even if she does get a bit upset for the first half hour, and then get annoyed with you for abandoning her when you come back- you can bet that she will spend a lot of the day enjoying herself and trying out new things.

[hereagain]

Perhaps leave something of yours with her...a hanky with your perfume sprayed on it or something of comfort like that, of yours or her's from home? Or maybe she is a bit too young to appreciate that?....just a thought...

[margoandjerry]

Thanks for the reassurance - am a detachment parenter with attachment parent sentiments obviously