Problems settling DS into playgroup/stressful day help!

[roseability]

My DS has a passion for anything with wheels (as do a lot of boys I am sure!). We have had a couple of stressful situations at pre-school with regard to this and I am not sure I am handling it right.

At the moment he is in a toddler group but will start playgroup in April. A couple of times he has been taken through to the playgroup room to check it out and he has had a tantrum leaving as there have been diggers/trucks there that he likes. Today a playgroup leader offered to let him take a truck back to the toddler room with him which I was relieved about. I know at this stage it is about him feeling happy and secure and it is a big step.

The problem came when it was time to put the toys away and have story/song time. I don't believe in forcing children to do this before they are ready but I did try to put my foot down about the fact that the toys were away and none of the other children were playing with them. He was getting upset as wanted digger back out. I was trying to be firm but gentle when one of the leaders came and offered him the digger back.

Now I know she was being helpful and was probably in the right but I felt undermined and a useless mum. I agree with their approach of making children feel welcome and I know that they let children take comfort toys etc but I just feel the usual guilt and lack of confidence.

I just need a moan really. All part of parenting and mistakes I suppose. Anyone else had problems settling their child into playgroup?

[purepurple]

sounds perfectly normal behaviour to me. he was in a new situation and he was trying to cope the best he could. He should not be expected to sit for a story at his first visit, totally inappropriate IMHO. You are feeling embarrassed and that is understandable, but they will be experts at settling children in, they do it all the time, just take your cues from them. And remember, you are feeling anxious, unsure of what to expect and not really sure what is expected of you and you are the adult! Imagine how your child feels! Puts it in perspective, doesn't it?