how do u deal with ur child going to nursery

[starshaker]

im going back to college this year and dd is going into nursery. im pretty sure she will love it but i dont know how im gonna deal with it cos ive never left her really before

It's hard to start with, especially the first day, but you mustn't let her see you cry - if you do cry, hold back until you're out of her sight.

Nursery and daycare are mostly a means to an end and quite a few of us on MN have children in daycare for one reason or another, so you're not alone in your feelings.

Hopefully it won't take long for her to settle in and before long she'll be drawing you pictures and making you cards and jewellery and things like that, and she'll be waving you off like it's the most normal, natural thing in the world.

yeah i have a week to "practice" before i start i cant help but think im abandoning her

Hello. I returned to work this week so I have just been through this. My DD is nearly 10 months old. I was definately more upset about the whole thing than her during settling in.To behonest as long as she has someone to cuddle.play/feed and change her she's not fussed. She was fine during settling in. She then missed a fortnight (she only goes twice a week) and her first day back was the same day as my return to work this tuesday. She cried. I cried. Felt terrible as I trudged off to work. However when rubng the nursery 20 minutes later she was fine. When I picked her up she was all smiles and seem to be fine. The staff said she eats/drinks and plays, hardly cries and sleeps at normal nap times. Its early days but I feel fine about it. I think the secret is finding a nursery you like and giving it a chance whilst realising you will have a few wobbly moments. Overall I am pleased as I now feel I have a bit of the old me back (but thats just my opinion). Good luck. She will be fine.