Did your dc cry on the first day of nursery?

[morecoffeepleas]

Ds had his two hour taster day today and the nursey nurse said he was fine for 10 minutes then when he realised I left he was hysterical.

When I picked him up they was cuddling him he looked so upset. I understand it was his first day but it's broken my heart and now I'm thinking not to bother with it since I'm going to be at home anyway and put it of until next year when he's older (he's two in December).

I'm starting an open university course and dd is due in two weeks so it's going to be a lot for me if he doesn't go but will somehow manage.

What were your dcs like?

DS was much younger when he started, just over 8 months. Initially I don't think he realised we were leaving, but he settled pretty well with the nursery staff. Once he was a bit older and started to understand what was going on he did cry on drop-off quite often, but always settled with them quickly. He's almost 2 now and absolutely fine with it, he walks himself to his room and waves goodbye to me quite happily. He knows the place and the key staff, and is comfortable there, whereas for your DS it's all brand new, he's never been there before and doesn't know anyone. I'd persevere gently with the settling in sessions and see how he goes, hopefully he'll start to have some fun and then you'll be able to see the benefits.

It's worth saying that while DS is absolutely fine with his nursery, when we went on holiday and put him the creche at the hotel, he was really upset and DH had to go and get him early on the first day. So familiarity definitely has a lot to do with his comfort at nursery!

It was only his first day, I wouldn't be making a decision to take him out based on one day. Most children get upset to start but they get used to it, most grow to love it and he'll make friends.

I know it's hard, I was bawling leaving mine, she was upset for a day or two but didn't look back then.

My DD cried every single day that she had to go to childcare. For four and a half years, from she was six months old and I went back to work, until the day she started primary school. I found it really upsetting (obviously) but I had no choice as I needed to work. Many a day I drove off crying myself. But honestly, no harm came to her, she was well looked after and actually loved her childminder. I think it's harder for the parents than the child.

Good luck.

Don’t mane your mind up after this 1 session.
Mine cried for the first week at drop off, i used to call once I was at work to see how she was and found often hear her playing happily in the background.

They do get used to it and settle in quickly. But a bit of time off can throw them a bit

Hi OP - My DD cried to the point where they had to call me to come and pick her up as she was so upset. She was just over 1 at the time. She cried for a few weeks (when I dropped her off) but they said it was only usually for a few minutes and then she got distracted by something else. She was always really happy when I went to pick her up. What I'm trying to say is persevere - it will get easier for DS (and you)

If you have a new baby due in two weeks I would wait a year to try again. A new sibling is already a massive change and I really think starting nursery on top would be too much. He will possibly feel pushed out and rejected in favour of the new sibling.

They both cried. Took months till they enjoyed it. Sorry