Panicking about twins starting nursery!

[Laurajay84]

My twins turned 3 a couple of months ago and will be starting nursery in two weeks time. To say DH and I are terrified is an understatement. They seem very young compared to alot of 3 year olds and one has mild SN. However, as a positive, they are very easy going, well behaved and friendly.

Here is my list of concerns....if anybody can answer any of them and stop me worrying it would really make my day.

1. They both have a dairy and soya intolerance and are also very picky with food. I'm worried about them eating meals at the nursery and having to have different meals than the other children. Will they be the only ones??
   

1. I just realised that the nursery might expect them to drink out of proper cups. However, they only drink out of straw cups and I don't think they would be able to control an open cup yet. Is this expected?
   

1. DH is worried about them not being toilet trained. DT1 has mild SN so may take a little longer, so we're not worried about him at the moment. DT2 is trying his best and is definitely interested but hasn't twigged on yet but once he gets it he will be off. What percentage of children will be toilet trained at this age?
   

Please don't make fun of our ridiculousness....we really are just terrified

[RoughMagic]

None of these issues should be anything a nursery hasn't come across before. Is it a private nursery or preschool? The best thing to do would be to ring the nursery manager for a chat. I'm sure s/he will be able to put you at your ease.

[isthistoonosy]

At our nursery the only minor issue would be open cups, they would expect them to get the concept even if not ready to use them all the time yet.

[Laurajay84]

Rough It's a private nursery. Does that make a difference?

isthistoo They understand the concept of a cup. But would never use one for drinking their drink out of. Would this be a problem? Would we be allowed to take their own cups?

[isthistoonosy]

At ours they have all types of cup for with meals and snacks but when out playing they all drink from open cups as they are getting wet anyway so good practice. But at that age I'm sure they would get it quickly anyway.

[Daydreamer2016]

1. I am sure they won't be the only one who has allergies / different meal to them and if they are am sure it wouldn't bother them.. I work in a nursery and the children who have a different meal don't batter an eye lid to the thought of it! They're took busy focusing on their food to worry about everyone else.
   

1. It is expected a child of that age should be drinking out of an open cup however if not its nothing to worry about.. The staff at the nursery should be Able to support them and encourage them to do so, possibly try open cups now so they can get ready for once they start nursery? As other cups my not be available.
   

1. Don't worry about the toilet training, they will do it once they feel good and ready and I know the nursery would support you in that!
   

Feel free to message me if you need anything :)

[Daydreamer2016]

Also they may seem picky with food at Home but alot of children eat better at nursery than at home! This could be for many reasons including sitting around with their peers! A lot of parents say they cannot get their child to eat a certain food at home but at Nursery they have seconds!

[RoughMagic]

Not really Laura. Just that you could call for an appointment with a nursery manager tomorrow whereas if it were a preschool you'd have to wait until term started. Also, in my experience, nursery nurses are used to dealing with babies and toddlers as well as slightly older children so they are better set up to cope with children who are not potty trained.