3yo crying inconsolably about nursery

[webminx]

3yo DS been going to nursery since he was 10 months old. Never, ever had a problem - he loves it, comes home full of stories about his adventures and seems to really enjoy his time there.

We had a big weekend at home, in toddler terms - it was his birthday, so he's had lunch at a restaurant, a party, balloons, gifts, cards and cake.

This morning, when we announced it was time to go to nursery, he burst into tears, although we managed to get him in the car with a new Peppa Pig book (one of his gifts). DH dropped me off at work and continued on to the nursery with DS. He has just phoned to say DS is still crying and should he take him home. I said to continue in to nursery, or we might have this every morning DS takes a dislike to the idea.

I think it's just Monday blues as he had such a lovely weekend and wants to stay at home again today with us. Sadly, we both have to go to work. On the other hand, am worried he might be ill or something and just didn't have the vocab to tell me what was really wrong. This is just so out of character for him.
Did I do the right thing? I feel pretty bad about it now, despite logic telling me it was for the best. Will I get any work done today for worrying?!

Yes you did the right thing - any decent nursery will keep an eye on him if he's upset, check his temperature if any concerns that he might be poorly and ring you if he remains unhappy / seems unwell. I totally sympathise - I have left ds at nursery crying and it feels terrible, but equally you could make a rod for your back if he is just having Monday blues and you let him stay home. If it is worrying you lots I would just ring the nursery mid morning and ask how he is - I used to do that with ds on occasion and they never seemed to mind, and it set my mind at rest.

Thanks mummy2benji - the nursery did just that, according to DH and even gave him a little Calpol as he complained of feeling "poorly" and his temp was 37.4 (possibly due to getting himself in a tizz in the car with his coat on). They called to say he's refused breakfast, but they've kept some by in case he changes his mind before snacktime and although he is still a little "mopey", he's playing with the trains and has stopped crying, so fingers crossed.
Gah - felt awful sending him in, but like you say, nursery will let us know if he starts to feel worse...

I know you feel awful but it sounds like your DS is in a lovely nursery and will get lots of TLC if he needs it. He's been going there for a long time so he should feel very at home and have built up firm bonds with some of the staff.

if he's just feeling a bit tired and emotional after his exciting weekend being back int he routine of nursery is probably what he needs. It isn't the same as being out and about somewhere he doesn't feel at home with unfamiliar people. If the nursery is good (and it sounds like it is) he'll be able to seek some quiet comfort and snuggles if he needs them.

Like you said if he really starts to need you they'll call and they won't mind you calling to see how he's doing in a little while. He might have perked up and be feeling fine by now.

Thanks Goldmandra. The nursery is lovely - we're v lucky. They've just called my DH to say he had a nap (v unusual) and woken up with a temp of 38.7 (!!) so more calpol and is DH going to collect him and try for a doctor's appointment. Meanwhile, his key worker is snuggling with him in the cosy corner (with a couple of other kids who have a case of the Mondays), listening to a Jack and the Beanstalk storybook, which is his current favourite.
Suspected ear infection as nursery say he's tugging at ear and saying he's "poorly" but not able to explain where it hurts.
Poor sausage :(
Mother's intuition and all that...

Sounds like he really legitimately didn't want to go! Poor thing - hope he feels better soon.

Aw bless! I hope he's feeling better soon.

You made a good choice of nursery for him. They sound perfect