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How to get 3 year old used to being away from me?

2 replies

JuliesName · 02/03/2026 15:25

My 3 year old DS stays home, never had nursery or daycare. We live in the US so in our area dont go to school (Kindergarten) until 5 unless there are disabilities. I do work from home but dad, grandma and I alternate care around work hours.

This is how I wanted to raise him and I'm so glad we've been able to do that. It has challenges but ultimately aware its a privileged position!

With that said, DS hasn't ever been cared for by someone other than the 3 of us. We don't have other family nearby or friends with kids we're close enough with to leave for playdates etc.

So we've caused another problem in that when we DO try to leave him he just cries and cries, no calming him down. We tried at a new Church playgroup the past couple of weekends where you can leave your 3-4 year olds in class with their teacher through the service and they had to come get me.

How did you eventually get your child to leave you? Especially if the first time was around this age, is it ust constant repeating leaving until they calm? Do I need regular daycare and just let him cry?

Will he be better by Kindergarten at 5? Well i know you cant answer for my child, but how did yours do?! Thank you.

OP posts:
DaisyChain505 · 02/03/2026 15:45

You just keep trying and doing it. It will get better.

Katykaty11 · 02/03/2026 15:51

Initially you need to stay with your child in whatever setting then build up the time you leave them. Could only be 5 or 10 mins to start with. Would your church enable that for a few weeks?

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