Settling in time? how many sessions before child begins is enough?

[guthriegirl]

My son ( 1)will be going to a childminder 4 days a week as of next month when I return to work. I am really happy with the CM we have choosen and think he'll be happy there once the initial settling in period passes. The CM has offered to take him for 2 hrs the day before he starts as a 'settling in', period. Do you think this will be enough or should I ask her to take him for a few afternoons prior to going back to work ( paid of course)? Thought I'd ask here before I do anything as don't want to appear neurotic mother before he even begins. I wouldn't want CM to think i'm questioning her judgement. How do you manage settling in time and how long does it take for most kids to settle?

In my experience working in several childcare fields, if the child has a hard time being apart from you regularly, you may want her to take him 2-3 hours for 2 or 3 days before going back to work. I would expect that he will be fine adjusting to the CM even without this acclimating period, but it would be a much smoother transition if he was able to spend some time with her when you aren't around just to begin building that trust and understanding that when he goes with her, he'll still be coming back to you in a few hours. Either way, the most important part is for you to give hugs and kisses and not let him see you stressed, but excited every time you drop him off and pick him up.

Just ask if you can have a couple of extra sessions. She will only be able to do them if she has space though.

My first two DC had just one short session for settling in with their CM.

However, for one reason or another (that I can't remember) it was not possible for DC3 to have one and he is fine too.

We went for a visit which ended up being 2 hours while I sat and chatted to CM and DS played with her DD. He then had a settling in session of 2 hours and then onto his first session (which was 3 or 4 hours I think?) - he was absolutely fine and loved it despite crying when I left, and not being great at separating from me before this.

I've never done the hugs and kisses on drop off in fact he seems to get more nervous/upset if I do this. If I just wave goodbye cheerfully and make it as quick as possible he copes a lot better.

Thanks for your responses. Will ask for an extra session for my peace of mind more than anything else.