Transition objects for nursery

[Jacketpandbeans]

My little one is just starting nursery for the first time and I wondered if anyone can recommend suitable transition objects for him to take? I like the idea of one of the rubber wrist bands and wondered if anyone could recommend where to get them?

It's taken a lot of deliberation as to whether going to nursery is the right step! We've found a nursery that will support his settling in by taking it at his pace and he'll only do a few hours a week but I'd be interested to hear positive stories from other adopters who have sent little ones to nursery!! Thanks

We had 3 key rings made with the same photo of the 3 of us on each. I have one on my car keys, daddy on his and LO on her bag. She really found having a photo of us that was easy to access helpful and loved that we all had it to remind us of each other when we were apart. A copy of the same photo is also on our living room wall.

NATP used to sell sew-on patches that said "a hug from mum" or similar, which were good on the corner of a blanket for a young child (or sewn invisibly inside the pocket for an older child to be able to touch).

I’m a fan of worry monsters, they’re cuddly toys which have a zip up mouth so the child can write or draw or put a small object to represent they’re worries and the monster “eats” it (ie nun goes and takes the worry out when child isn’t looking).

My DS has a big one that stays home with me and a small, matching key ring sized one that’s attached to his school bag. It was suggested to me by his head teacher (who is also and adoptive parents) when he was struggling with school. It can be a good way for him to let me know he’s worried when he’s finding it hard to actually speak about it “your worry monsters said you were worried about x, can mummy help?”.

My DS went to nursery aged 4 but relatively soon after placement. I was very chatty about how much I’d miss him, what I’d be doing and where I would be while he was at nursery, what he’d be doing, who was there for him if he was worried or lonely at nursery and at pick up I’d repeat the same conversation - that I’d missed him, what I had done etc etc. It helped know he wasn’t forgotten, and that I held him in mind while he was away.

(ie nun goes and takes the worry out when child isn’t looking).

I mean mum, we don’t have our own religious order living here 😂.

Matching friendship bracelets we never take off so we’re always linked, special nursery bracelet, photo album in his bag of us having fun, catchphrases about how I always come back… he settled into nursery very quickly and is having a lovely time! I worried about it for months.

Thank you so much to everyone who posted with suggestions for objects. You've given me lots of great ideas. Also thanks for the drop-off and pick-up conversation tips and reassurance around little ones settling in. The adoption board is such a supportive place!

We draw hearts on each other in the morning and press them when we miss each other. He also takes his favourite cuddly toy with him.

I made up a song about everyone living at home which we used to sing on the way there, not so much now. It just lists our names and says we'll always be together no matter what happens.

Also I talk about missing him and what I'll be doing during the day and usually bring a present from work. Sometimes cake if someone has brought one in, often stickers, a cool pen or something. Just little things to show I've been thinking of him.

He's still settling in there and we have tears sometimes but he enjoys it for the most part. Last week when I went to pick him up, he didn't want to leave! He wanted me to come in and carry on playing 😂 he has some little friends now who he hugs goodbye at the end of the day.

Before he started I was able to take him around to meet staff, look at toys etc and get familiar with it before he met the other children.

AncientEmo - my little one loves a made-up song so I'll have to get composing!!