DD starting nursery.

[Sookeh]

DD (3) starts nursery for 3 hours a day in two weeks and I'm so worried about it. She's very confident and does stay at her grandparents often so being away from me shouldn't be too stressful. It's every day though and it's a big change.
What should I be doing/saying to prepare her? I've been quite mentally ill this year with pnd and this will be quite a big change.
Any help would be appreciated :)

[Sookeh]

Bump

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Sorry to hear about your PND, are you getting any help with it? Have you come across the APNI?, their helpline and website are very good.

As for the nursery, my DD started last year. She had been on a visit and particularly liked the fact that the painting was out all the time and she could paint whenever she wanted. Is there something at the nursery that your DD is looking forward too? Could you talk about that?

Have you got any books on it too? Your library will probably have a few. There a a couple on amazon too.

I'm sure she will love it and it will give you the break you need.

[Sookeh]

Thanks Julie.

I am under the care of a mental health team who are very good.

As for DD, she loves painting too and I've told her there will be lots of that and she'll love being around other children her own age too.

I think I'm more anxious about it than her, but I'm doing my best to not let that come across to her IYSWIM.

[pinkthechaffinch]

Hi Sookeh

my dd is 2.8 and starting pre-school for 2 sessions per week. I'm planning on staying with her for the first few sessions to check she's settling in ok, andthatI'mhappywiththestaff etc

Could you do the same?

[Sookeh]

Hi Pink

They've said I could stay but if she seems happy then just to leave and see how she goes. I live five minutes up the road so that's reassuring.

I'm just not ready to part with her

[FrameyMcFrame]

Are you getting settle in sessions though? My DS is starting soon for 2 days per week and he has just started his settle in programme. He goes for 1 hour with me for 2 sessions then an hour on his own twice while I stay in another room then he goes for 2 sessions of 2 hours where I leave him and go home. This goes on for about 3 weeks until he starts properly. DS is 2 and a half and seems ready for it now. Good luck!