First settling in session on Fri ... any top tips?

[FrozenNorthPole]

I've been utterly relieved at the thought of moving on from our current method of childcare (not nursery) for about the last three months since giving notice. However, now the first settling in session at my DDs' new nursery is on the cards in the next couple of days I'm getting some nerves.

I trust the nursery and I feel positive (logically) about the setting but I'm worried that my youngest (10 months) will cling to me and scream, which usually sets off her sister (27 months). It's normal to have some jitters, right? Will the nursery mind if I ring them tomorrow (Thurs) to ask them all the nagging questions I've got in my mind? I hope my toddler behaves .

Does anyone have any ideas of words of wisdom or experiences to share re: the settling in sessions and the first few weeks of nursery? I'd really appreciate them

Hee hee hee, thread has just made it into the 'most active' list.

Hiya FNP! I'm alright! Been doing that temp job, looking forward to my little break to Center Parcs next week!

Did the girls do any settling in or is this their totally first session? You can ask how they'd like to do things, and if you say you'll just be around the corner they might usher you out of the nursery to the garden center

Presumably your children will be in different, age-appropriate rooms.

Try dropping off the 27mo first, while the 10mo is still calm and then go and leave the 10mo with her key carer.

My baby is a year old and still sometime cries.

My DH finds that when he takes our baby in he follows the same routine and starts him playing with something.

Agree that you have to leave your baby. Something you can do (once the settling in sessions are over) is to leave and then call in 10 or 20 minutes to see how things are going, that way you can be assured that all is ok.

I agree that you need to do something positive with the settling in time ( I felt really sad once when I had nothing to do but wait).

Why are you relieved about the other type of childcare?

Bugs are more common in nurseries.

I think it is important that you build a good rapport with the staff, I presume they will give you an update about the day anyway but it is good if they get to know you too. I always try appreciate the wonderful careworkers my baby has, as they really are hardworking and so caring.

If your baby needs lots of hugs don't forget to tell them.

I'm relieved about the other type of childcare because although our current nanny has been nothing but professional and excellent with the children, we do not get on particularly well and I have found the relationship really stressful at points. Since we cannot afford to extend her hours for the length of time we now need childcare for (she is right at the top of the payscale we can afford) we thought nursery might be more appropriate, particularly for the 2 year old.

Is it wrong that I'm thinking that if this doesn't work out, we could always think about a different nanny?

I think I'm feeling incredibly guilty about leaving the little one - she's going through that heart-rending separation anxiety phase.

Thanks for the reassurance ppers

This is the very first session, btw - only a few hours. Am a wimp!

My DS had his first settling in session on Tuesday.
He walked up to his key carer said 'I've got my boots on' and then stomped off to play with the cars. He chatted to the children, went outside with them at playtime and really didn't want to come home.
I spent 1.5hours sat in the foyer feeling redundant .
Was fabulous.

Frozen I know what you mean about feeling guilty. But there is so much that I like about nursery. The fact that the staff have each other. That they are generally so good at settling children. The fact that they can get so messy and do all those crazy crafts without turning your house into a glittering shimmery and paint splattered space.

Also they will eventually bond with their carers and then the other kiddies.

Cake FNP, Cake!